Spotted Bass

Micropterus punctulatus occupies a niche between Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, preferring swifter, rockier water than the Largemouth but tolerating warmer, slightly more turbid conditions than the Smallmouth. It is identified by its lateral stripe — similar to the Largemouth — combined with rows of small dark spots on the lower flanks and a distinctive patch of teeth on the tongue. It is widespread across the Ohio and Tennessee river drainages and Ozark streams.

In the aquarium, Spotted Bass are aggressive and active predators that require large, well-filtered setups. Juveniles are attractively patterned and interactive, readily accepting food and tracking movement outside the tank. Adults grow to 45 cm and need truly large aquaria.

Like other large centrarchids, Spotted Bass are best kept as solitary display animals or with very large, equally aggressive native companions. Their widespread natural range and adaptability to a variety of conditions make them somewhat more forgiving of aquarium imperfection than Smallmouth Bass.

Water: 12–26 °C, pH 6.5–8.0, moderate hardness; moderate current and strong filtration. Tank: 700 L minimum; gravel and rock, open lanes, sturdy décor resistant to rearrangement. Feeding: Live fish, crayfish, earthworms, large frozen foods; trains to large pellets over time. Breeding: Nest builder; male guards — pond-scale space needed for success. Compatibility: Solitary or with very large robust tankmates; aggressive toward smaller fish.