Thanks CJ !
Guys be sure we are all on the same page. Rock Bass are very often confused with other similar species by many.
From efish
Rock Bass, Ambloplites rupestris
Physical Description:
� Compressed, stocky body
� Large, terminal mouth
� Dark-edged anal fin
� Large cheek scales
� Rounded pectoral fin
� Almost straight-edged tail fin
� Red eye
� Olive-brown peppering on body
� 5 anal fins
Similar species:
� Roanoke bass (Ambloplites cavifrons)
� Ozark bass (Ambloplites constellatus)
Mean body size:
� Adults are 110-200 mm standard length
Habitat:
� Clear, moderate-gradient, cool to warm streams and rivers, usually around cover
� Avoid areas of heavy to moderate siltation and turbidity
Distribution in VA:
� Big Sandy and Tennessee drainages
� Introduced to the New and Atlantic slope drainages
Food Habits:
� Young eat microcrustaceans, insects, and other invertebrates
� Juveniles and adults eat crayfish, fish, insects, and other invertebrates
Reproductive Habits:
� Mature in 3 years
� Spawning occurs April to early June in water that is 15.6-26�C
� Males fan out circular nests in shallows on coarse sand to gravel and defend the nest
� Fecundity is 2,000-11,000 eggs per female
Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance:
� Popular game fish
� Stocked in many of Virginia's drainages
� Competes with Roanoke bass and brook trout
� Referred to as �redeye�
Last edited by ewest; 04/29/16 08:59 AM.
.gif)
