FISH: SUNFISH

Largemouth Bass, Micropterus salmoides

Family Centrarchidae (Sunfish)

Size: Up to 29"

Range: Throughout Colorado

Habitat: Shallow freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds

The largemouth bass is a favorite of anglers for its tenacious fight when hooked. It is an elongate member of the sunfish family, with a mouth that extends to the rear of the eye, two separate dorsal fins (the first spiny and the second soft), and an indented tail fin. Its color is greenish-gray above, with a blotchy, blackish lateral stripe (fading with age), and a whitish belly. Largemouth bass skulk through warmer and weedier parts of creeks or lakes, foraging for a wide variety of aquatic prey including crustaceans, insects, other fish, and frogs.