About Micropterus salmoides (Lacepède, 1802)
The largemouth bass, scientifically named Micropterus salmoides (Lacepède, 1802), is an olive green to greenish-gray fish. It has a series of dark, sometimes black blotches that form a jagged horizontal stripe along each of its flanks. The upper jaw, or maxilla, of this species extends past the rear edge of the eye socket (orbit).
It is the largest species among black basses. The maximum recorded total length of the largemouth bass is 29.5 inches (75 cm), and the maximum unofficial recorded weight is 25 pounds 1 ounce (11.4 kg). This species shows sexual dimorphism, with females growing larger than males.
Largemouth bass favor habitats with abundant littoral vegetation, and individuals typically maintain relatively small home ranges when living in lakes. In the wild, their average lifespan ranges from 10 to 16 years.
