Identification
The smallmouth bass is a slender centrarchid of 25 to 45 cm with a bronze to olive-brown body and dark vertical bars on the flanks. Unlike the largemouth bass, the upper jaw does not extend beyond the eye. The eyes are distinctly red to orange. The dorsal fin is continuous (not deeply notched) with spines at the front.
Behavior & ecology
The smallmouth bass is considered the strongest fighter among freshwater fish for its weight in North America. It prefers cooler, clearer water than the largemouth bass: rocky rivers, lakes with stony substrate, and flowing water. Diet consists of crustaceans, insect larvae, and small fish. More active in current than its larger relative.
In the Netherlands
The smallmouth bass is not established in the Netherlands and is found only very occasionally. Like the largemouth bass, it is on the EU list of invasive alien species. Any finds involve released specimens. The chance of establishment is low because the Netherlands offers little suitable habitat (cool, rocky rivers).
