Bass fish is a name shared by many species of fish. The term encompasses both freshwater and marine species, all belonging to the large order Perciformes, or perch-like fishes. The word bass comes from Middle English bars, meaning ‘perch’.^[rx]

Centropristis striata also called Black sea bass, humpback (larger males), black bass, rock bass, pinbass sea bass is a protogynous hermaphrodite fish of the Serranidae family found mostly in Northern ranges. It resides coasts of Maine to Northeast Florida and Easter Gulf of Mexico. The body is blue to black, smoky gray, and dusky brown in color with white flesh. The tail is straight-edged or rounded. Black sea bass is believed to live up to 20 years. This fish is oblong, compressed, stout, and measures up to 12 inches long. This bass measures up to 1 pound. The eggs of Black sea bass are 0.95 mm (0.037 inches) Crabs, small fishes, shrimp, squid, barnacles, and razor clams are its prey.

Life History

Guadalupe bass do not grow to large size because they are adapted to small streams. However, a propensity for fast flowing water, and their ability to utilize fast water to their advantage when hooked, make them a desirable sport fish species. Their preference for small streams enhances their allure to anglers because of the natural setting where small streams are usually found. Specimens in excess of 3.5 pounds have been landed.

Both males and females become sexually mature when they are one year old. Guadalupe bass spawning begins as early as March and continues through May and June. A secondary spawn is possible in late summer or early fall. Like all other black bass, Guadalupe bass build gravel nests for spawning, preferably in shallow water. As with spotted bass and smallmouth bass, males tend to build nests in areas with higher flow rates than largemouth bass. When a male has successfully attracted a female to the nest she may lay 400 to over 9,000 eggs. The female is then chased away and the male stands guard over the incubating eggs. After hatching, fry feed on invertebrates and switch to piscivory as they grow older. Very young fish and older adults tend to include more invertebrates in their diet than do largemouth bass. Juveniles and younger adults tend to include more fish in their diets than do largemouth bass.

HabitatTypically, Guadalupe bass are found in flowing water, whereas largemouth bass are found in quiet water.DistributionThe Guadalupe bass is found only in Texas and has been named the official state fish. It is endemic to the northern and eastern Edwards Plateau including headwaters of the San Antonio River, the Guadalupe River above Gonzales, the Colorado River north of Austin, and portions of the Brazos River drainage. Relatively small populations can also be found outside of the Edwards Plateau, primarily in the lower Colorado River. Introduced populations exist in the Nueces River system.OtherThe Guadalupe bass, like other “black bass” including largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, is not a true bass at all but a member of the sunfish family Centrarchidae.

Types

• The black basses, such as the Choctaw bass (Micropterus haiaka), Guadalupe bass (M. treculii), largemouth bass (M. salmoides), smallmouth bass (M. dolomieu), and spotted bass (M. punctulatus), belong to the sunfish family Centrarchidae.
• The temperate basses, such as the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), striped bass (Morone saxatilis) and white bass (M. chrysops), belong to the family Moronidae.
• The Asian seabasses, such as the Japanese seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus) and Blackfin seabass (L. latus), belong to the family Lateolabracidae.

Other species known as bass

Many species are also known as basses,^[rx] including:

• The Australian bass, Macquaria novemaculeata, is a member of the temperate perch family Percichthyidae.
• The black sea bass, Centropristis striata, is a member of the sea bass and sea grouper family Serranidae.
• The Chilean sea bass, Dissostichus eleginoides, also known as the Patagonian toothfish, is a member of the cod icefish family Nototheniidae.
• The giant sea bass Stereolepis gigas, also known as the black sea bass, is a member of the wreckfish family Polyprionidae.
• The “lanternbellies” or “temperate ocean-basses”, Acropomatidae.
• The “butterfly peacock bass”, Cichla ocellaris, is a member of the cichlid family, Cichlidae and a prized game fish along with its relatives in the genus Cichla.

Bass, Largemouth

Largemouth bass have a dark green upper body fading into a whitish belly, with a series of dark marks forming a dark horizontal band along the sides. As water clarity decreases, colors fade and fish tend to be more silver in appearance. They can be distinguished from other bass species by their large mouth. When the mouth is closed, the upper jaw extends well beyond the eye. In addition, there is a deep notch between their dorsal fins, making the two fins appear separate.

Scientific Name: Micropterus salmoides

Adult Size: 12–38 inches

Distribution: Found in warm waters throughout the state.

Bass, Altamaha

Altamaha bass are olive green to bronze with pale bellies that sometimes have a bluish tint, have a series of dark vertical blotches along their sides that may fade with age, and have numerous small dark spots below the lateral line that form horizontal rows. The upper jaw does not extend beyond the eyes, the dorsal fin is continuous and not deeply notched, and lateral blotches do not form a horizontal band. Altamaha Bass differ from all other bass species in that the caudal fin is dark spotted with narrow orange upper and lower margins; the second dorsal and anal fins also have some orange coloration on their outer portions.

Scientific Name: Micropterus sp. cf. cataractae

Adult Size: 5–16 inches

Distribution: Altamaha bass are found above the fall line in the Ocmulgee, Oconee, and Ogeechee river basins.

Current State Record Information: none currently on file

Bass, Bartram’s

Bartram’s bass are olive green to bronze with pale bellies that sometimes have a bluish tint, have a series of dark vertical blotches along their sides that may fade with age, and have numerous small dark spots below the lateral line that form horizontal rows. The upper jaw does not extend beyond the eyes, the dorsal fin is continuous and not deeply notched, and lateral blotches do not form a horizontal band. Bartram’s Bass differ from all other bass species in that the caudal fin lacks notable spotting and has a narrow pale lower margin; the second dorsal, caudal, and anal fins usually have some orange to yellow coloration on their outer portions.

Scientific Name: Micropterus sp. cf. cataractae

Adult Size: 5–16 inches

Distribution: Bartram’s bass are found above the fall line in the Savannah river basins.

Current State Record Information: none currently on file

Bass, Chattahoochee

Chattahoochee bass are olive green to bronze with pale bellies that sometimes have a bluish tint, have a series of dark vertical blotches along their sides that may fade with age, and have numerous small dark spots below the lateral line that form horizontal rows. The upper jaw does not extend beyond the eyes, the dorsal fin is continuous and not deeply notched, and lateral blotches do not form a horizontal band. Chattahoochee Bass differ from all other bass species in that the second dorsal, caudal, and anal fins have bright orange coloration on their outer portions and numerous dark spots.

Scientific Name: Micropterus chattahoochee

Adult Size: 5–16 inches

Distribution: Chattahoochee bass are found above the fall line in the Chattahoochee River basin.

Current State Record Information: none currently on file

Bass, Redeye

Redeye bass are olive green to bronze with pale bellies, have a series of dark vertical blotches along their sides that usually disappear with age, and have numerous small dark spots below the lateral line that form horizontal rows. The upper jaw does not extend beyond the eyes, the dorsal fin is continuous and not deeply notched, and lateral blotches do not form a horizontal band. Redeye bass differ from all other bass species in that the second dorsal, caudal, and anal fins have brick red coloration on the outer portions with white edges.

Scientific Name: Micropterus coosae

Adult Size: 5–16 inches

Distribution: Redeye bass are found in the Coosa river basin; and have been introduced into the Tennessee River basin.

Bass, Shoal

Shoal bass are olive to bronze with pale bellies, have a series of dark vertical blotches along their sides that may fade with age, and have numerous small dark spots below the lateral line that may form horizontal rows. Unlike largemouth bass, the upper jaw does not extend beyond the eyes and the dorsal fin is continuous and not deeply notched. They are most similar to the the redeye basses, but do not have any red coloration in the fins or pale margins on the tail. Unlike smallmouth bass they usually have a large dark spot at the base of the tail.

Scientific Name: Micropterus cataractae

Adult Size: 12–24 inches

Distribution: Native to the Chattahoochee and Flint River basins; introduced in the Ocmulgee River

Bass, Smallmouth

Smallmouth bass are usually bronze to brownish green, with dark vertical bars on their sides. Unlike largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends only to the middle of the eyes, and the dorsal fin is continuous and not deeply notched. It is most similar in appearance to shoal bass, which usually have a dark spot at the base of the tail.

Scientific Name: Micropterus dolomieui

Adult size: 7–27 inches

Distribution: Native to the Tennessee River basin; introduced in the Chattahoochee and Savannah River basins.

Bass, Spotted

Common Names: Spotted bass; Alabama bass; Kentucky bass

Spotted Bass are greenish in color with pale bellies and have a series of dark lateral blotches that merge to form an irregular band, numerous small dark spots below the lateral line that form horizontal rows, and a prominent dark spot at the base of the tail. Unlike largemouth bass, the upper jaw does not extend beyond the eyes and the dorsal fin is continuous and not deeply notched. Spotted bass and Alabama bass are very similar, but spotted bass have blotches above the lateral band that touch the first dorsal fin, while on an Alabama bass the blotches do not touch the first dorsal fin.

Scientific Name: Micropterus punctulatus, Micropterus henshalli

Adult size: 11–25 inches

Distribution: Spotted bass are native to the Tennessee River basin and introduced in the Chattahoochee River basin and perhaps others; Alabama Bass are native to the Coosa River Basin and introduced in the Chattahoochee, Ocmulgee, Oconee, and Savannah River basins

Alabama Bass

Suwannee bass have a series of dark, vertical, diamond shaped blotches along the lateral line, which may form a band. Mature Suwannee bass may have bright bluish coloring on the cheeks, breast, and ventral parts. Unlike largemouth bass, the upper jaw does not extend beyond the eyes and the dorsal fin is continuous and not deeply notched.

Scientific Name: Micropterus notius

Adult size: Up to 16 inches

Distribution: Found only in the Alapaha, Ochlockonee, and Withlacoochee Rivers

Bass, Tallapoosa

Tallapoosa bass are olive green to bronze with pale bellies that sometimes have a bluish tint, have a series of dark vertical blotches along their sides that may fade with age, and have numerous small dark spots below the lateral line that form horizontal rows. The upper jaw does not extend beyond the eyes, the dorsal fin is continuous and not deeply notched, and lateral blotches do not form a horizontal band. Tallapoosa Bass differ from all other bass species in that the second dorsal, caudal, and anal fins have yellow-green coloration with white edges.

Scientific Name: Micropterus tallapoosae

Adult Size: 5–16 inches

Distribution: Tallapoosa bass are found in the Tallapoosa River basin.

Current State Record Information: none currently on file

Bass, White

White bass are silvery-gray to blue on the upper body with pale sides, and usually marked with horizontal stripes. They can be distinguished from striped bass by the somewhat football shaped body and single patch of teeth on the tongue. Hybrid bass have more distinct stripes that are often broken or offset. Yellow bass are yellow in color, with distinct broken stripes, while white bass lack stripes or a tooth patch in the middle of the tongue.

Scientific Name: Morone chrysops

Adult size: 10–18 inches

Distribution: Native to the Tennessee River basin; introduced to rivers and lakes throughout the state, but scarce on the coastal plain

Bass, Striped

Striped bass have silver, copper or greenish backs and pale sides marked by six to nine dark, unbroken stripes running from head to tail. They have an elongated and slightly compressed body, and two narrow tooth patches on the tongue, which readily distinguishes them from white bass. Hybrid bass have shorter, stockier bodies and broken stripes, yellow bass are distinctly yellow, and white bass lack stripes.

Scientific Name: Morone saxatilis

Adult size: 15–79 inches

Distribution: Found in large rivers and lakes throughout the state

Bass, Hybrid Striped x White (Hybrid Bass)

Hybrid bass have a gray to blue back with pale sides marked by distinct dark stripes that are broken and often offset. Striped bass differ in having a more elongated body shape, white bass differ in having fainter continuous stripes, yellow bass have distinctly yellow coloration, and white bass lack stripes.

Scientific Name: Morone saxatilis X chrysops

Adult size: 15–27 inches

Distribution: Stocked in many rivers and lakes throughout the state

Bowfin

Bowfin have a long cylindrical body, an olive to brown back, pale belly, plain or mottled sides, a rounded tail with a ring shaped spot, a large head and mouth, and a long dorsal fin running down much of the back.

Scientific Name: Amia calva

Adult size: 8–43 inches

Distribution: Found mostly in the southern half of the state.

Bullhead, Brown

Brown bullhead are dark brown or gray above and have white to yellowish bellies. The sides are usually mottled with irregular dark markings, all whiskers are dark, the anal fin has a rounded margin, and the tail is not forked. They are most similar to yellow bullhead, which have pale chin whiskers, and black bullhead, which have a pale bar at the base of the tail.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus nebulosus

Adult size: 5–22 inches

Distribution: Found in warm waters throughout the state.

Bullhead, Yellow

Yellow bullhead are olive to dark brown above and have white to yellowish bellies; the sides are usually plain without distinct markings, chin whiskers are pale, the anal fin has a relatively straight margin, and the tail is not forked. They are most similar to brown bullhead and black bullhead, which both have dark chin whiskers.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus natalis

Adult size: 6–19 inches

Distribution: Found in warm waters throughout the state

Catfish, Channel

Channel catfish have dark blue to olive backs with pale to yellowish sides and bellies, and scattered dark spots that often disappear in large fish. They have a deeply forked tail, an overhanging upper jaw, dark chin whiskers, and an anal fin with a curved margin. They are most similar to blue catfish, which do not have spots, have pale chin whiskers, and a long straight margin on the anal fin. White Catfish have pale chin whiskers, a shallowly forked tail, and lack spots.

Scientific Name: Ictalurus punctatus

Adult size: 10–50 inches

Distribution: Found in warm waters throughout the state

Catfish, Flathead

Flathead catfish have a broad, flat head, with a lower jaw protruding beyond the upper jaw. The back and sides are brown to yellow, with black-to olive-brown mottling, fading to a dirty white or yellow belly. The tail is not forked and the tip of the upper lobe is lighter than the rest of the tail.

Scientific Name: Pylodictis olivaris

Adult size: 15–61 inches

Distribution: Native to the Coosa and Tennessee River basins; introduced in the Chattahoochee, Flint, Ocmulgee, Oconee, Altamaha, Satilla, and Savannah River basins

Catfish, Blue

Blue catfish typically are bluish-gray above, fading to white on the sides and belly, and do not have spots. They have a deeply forked tail, an overhanging upper jaw, pale chin whiskers, and an anal fin with a long straight margin. They are most similar to channel catfish, which often have spots, have dark chin whiskers, and a curved margin on the anal fin. White Catfish have a shallowly forked tail, and a rounded anal fin.

Scientific Name: Ictalurus furcatus

Adult size: 20–65 inches

Distribution: Native to the Coosa River basin; introduced in the Chattahoochee, Flint, Ocmulgee, Oconee, Altamaha, Satilla, and Savannah River basins

Catfish, White

White catfish are gray to dark blue above and have white to yellowish bellies; the sides are usually plain without distinct markings, chin whiskers are pale, the anal fin has a rounded margin, and the tail is moderately forked. They are most similar to channel catfish, which have dark chin whiskers, and blue catfish, which have an anal fin with a long straight edge.

Scientific Name: Ameiurus catus

Adult size: 8–37 inches

Distribution: Found throughout the state, except the Coosa and Tennessee River basins

Common Carp

Common carp have a deep stout body, brassy in coloration, yellow to orange lower fins, large scales, forked tail, and prominent barbels around the mouth. They could be confused with buffalo, suckers, and grass carp, but none of these have barbels.

Scientific Name: Cyprinus carpio

Adult size: 20–48 inches

Distribution: Native to Europe and Asia; introduced throughout the state, but scarce on the coastal plain

Crappie, Black

Black crappie have a compressed body, arched back, dorsal and anal fins of similar size and shape, seven or eight dorsal spines, and a large mouth with an upper jaw extending under the eye. The sides and fins are mottled with irregular dark spots that do not form a distinct pattern. They are most similar to white crappie, which usually have vertical bands on their sides and have five or six dorsal spines.

Scientific Name: Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Adult size: 5–19 inches

Distribution: Found in warm waters throughout the state

Crappie, White

White crappie have a compressed body, arched back, dorsal and anal fins of similar size and shape, five or six dorsal spines, and a large mouth with an upper jaw extending under the eye. The sides are marked with irregular vertical bands, and the fins are marked with spots or bands. They are most similar to black crappie, which do not have vertical bands on their sides and have seven or eight dorsal spines.

Scientific Name: Pomoxis annularis

Adult size: 6–21 inches

Distribution: Native to the Coosa and Tennessee River basins; scattered introductions in other parts of the state

Freshwater Drum

Freshwater drum have a deep oval-shaped body with a high arched back. The back is gray, sides are silvery, and the belly is pale; the tail is rounded. It has a shape similar to buffalo and carp, but it has a rounded tail fin, smaller scales, and a larger mouth.

Scientific Name: Aplodinotus grunniens

Adult size: 11–25 inches

Distribution: Found in the Coosa and Tennessee River basins

Current State Record Information: No current state record

Gar, Longnose

Longnose gar have a very elongate and thin body, brownish or greenish above, pale below, scattered dark spots present on body and fins, rounded tail, and very long narrow jaws lined with teeth. They are most similar to spotted and Florida gar, which both have a shorter and broader snout.

Scientific Name: Lepisosteus osseus

Adult size: 19–79 inches

Distribution: Found in warm waters throughout the state.

Pickerel, Chain (Jackfish)

Chain pickerel have an elongated torpedo-shaped body with a long, pointed snout. They have dark greenish backs, pale bellies, and a bright green chain-like pattern on their sides, with yellowish-green spots within the chains. There is a conspicuous vertical dark streak through the eye. The similar redfin pickerel has wavy bars rather than a chain-like pattern, and the bar through the eye slants toward the rear.

Scientific Name: Esox niger

Adult size: 8–39 inches

Distribution: Found in warm waters throughout the state

Pickerel, Redfin

Redfin pickerel have an elongated torpedo-shaped body with a long, pointed snout. They have dark backs and pale bellies with olive green to brownish wavy bars on their sides that may be indistinct; they may or may not have reddish fins. They have a dark bar beneath the eye that slants backward. The similar chain pickerel has a distinct chain-like pattern on the sides and a vertical bar through the eye.

Scientific Name: Esox americanus

Adult size: 6–16 inches

Distribution: Found throughout most of the state, except for the mountains, but most abundant in the southern half.

Shad, American

American shad are bluish or green above with a silvery side, large prominent scales, a dark spot just behind the gill cover, which may have additional spots behind it, and a deeply forked tail. They are most similar to the hickory shad, which have a strongly projecting lower jaw, and blueback herring, which have a larger eye. Gizzard and threadfin shad both have an elongated ray in the dorsal fin.

Scientific Name: Alosa sapidissima

Adult size: 12–30 inches

Distribution: Runs up Atlantic coast rivers to spawn in the spring.

Shad, Hickory

Hickory shad are gray or green above with a silvery side, large prominent scales, a horizontal row of dark spots behind the gill cover, and a deeply forked tail. They are most similar to American shad and blueback herring, which have a lower jaw that is equal or only slightly projecting beyond the upper jaw. Gizzard and threadfin shad both have an elongated ray in the dorsal fin.

Scientific Name: Alosa mediocris

Adult size: 13–24 inches

Distribution: Runs up Atlantic coast rivers to spawn in the spring; an introduced population exists in Lake Hartwell

Smallmouth Buffalo

Smallmouth buffalo have a deep stout body, gray or dark blue above, gray to olive sides, pale belly, dusky fins, large scales, forked tail, and a small mouth without barbels. They can be distinguished from common carp in lacking barbels around the mouth, and differ from grass carp and suckers in having a deep stout body rather than an elongate or cylindrical body.

Scientific Name: Ictiobus bubalus

Adult size: 15–44 inches

Distribution: Found in the Coosa and Tennessee River basins

Current State Record Information: No current state record

Sunfish, Bluegill

Bluegill have a compressed body with a rounded profile. Their back and upper sides are dark olive-green, often with dark vertical bars on the sides, and the belly is pale yellow to light orange. Spawning males have blue on the lower parts of the head and a red breast. They have an entirely dark ear flap and a dark spot in the rear of the dorsal fin, which distinguishes them from all other sunfish.

Scientific Name: Lepomis macrochirus

Adult size: 7–16 inches

Distribution: Found in warm waters throughout the state.

Sunfish, Flier

Flier have a compressed body with a rounded profile, and large dorsal and anal fins that are nearly equal in size. They have a dark greenish back with olive green to pale yellow sides that are marked with several rows of brown spots. There is a distinct dark streak running through the eye onto the cheek, and many light spots on the dorsal and anal fins. Small fliers have a prominent black spot surrounded by orange in the rear dorsal fin.

Scientific Name: Centrarchus macropterus

Adult size: 2–11 inches

Distribution: Found mostly in the southern half of the state

Sunfish, Green

Green sunfish have a compressed body with an oval profile, greenish back and sides, white to yellowish belly, scattered blue-green markings on the side, and wavy blue-green lines on the snout and cheek. The ear flap is dark with a pale margin, and there is a prominent dark spot in the rear dorsal and anal fins.

Scientific Name: Lepomis cyanellus

Adult size: 5–12 inches

Distribution: Native to the Coosa and Tennessee River basins; introduced through most of the state.

Sunfish, Redear (Shellcracker)

Redear sunfish have a compressed body with a rounded profile, and long pointed pectoral fins. They have an olive back with a yellow breast, and the pale to yellowish sides are marked with brownish spots or bars. They can be distinguished from most other sunfish by the dark ear flap with a distinct red or orange margin and from the similar pumpkinseed by not having blue lines on the head.

Scientific Name: Lepomis microlophus

Adult size: 5–17 inches

Distribution: Found in warm waters throughout the state.

Sunfish, Redbreast

Redbreast sunfish have a compressed body with a rounded profile, greenish back with yellow-olive sides and a reddish-orange belly. They have wavy blue-green lines on the snout and cheeks, and a long narrow ear flap that is no wider than the eye, which can exceed an inch in length and is entirely dark at the tip. The similar longear sunfish has an ear flap with a pale margin throughout its length.

Scientific Name: Lepomis auritus

Adult size: 2–12 inches

Distribution: Native to most of the state; Introduced in the Coosa and Tennessee River basins

Sunfish, Rock Bass

Rock bass have a compressed body with an oval profile, backs marked with indistinct dark saddles, and pale sides marked with small dark spots that form horizontal lines; the anal fin may have a dark edge. They may appear similar to warmouth, but have lines on the side and six anal spines rather than three.

Scientific Name: Ambloplites rupestris

Adult size: 5–17 inches

Distribution: Native to the Tennessee River basin; introduced in the upper Chattahoochee and Savannah River basins.

Current State Record Information: No Current State Record

Sunfish, Shadow Bass

Shadow bass have a compressed body with an oval profile, dark mottling forming a camouflage-like pattern, and sides marked with small dark spots that form horizontal lines. They may appear similar to warmouth, but have lines on the side and six anal spines rather than three.

Scientific Name: Ambloplites ariommus

Adult size: 5–12 inches

Distribution: Found in the Coosa, Flint and lower Chattahoochee River basins

Sunfish, Spotted

Spotted sunfish have a compressed body with an rounded profile, olive green back and sides, and a yellow to orange belly. The ear flap is short and dark with a pale margin. They can be distinguished from all other sunfish by the numerous small dark to reddish spots on the sides that follow the scale rows, scattered dark spots on the cheek, and a distinct blue crescent mark on the lower margin of the eye.

Scientific Name: Lepomis punctatus

Adult size: 2–8 inches

Distribution: Found in warm waters throughout the state, except for the northeast.

Sunfish, Warmouth

Warmouth have a thick, oblong body that is brassy to dark olive-green, with broad, irregular dark bars giving it a mottled appearance, often with a yellowish belly. It has reddish eyes and a large mouth, with the upper jaw extending to or beyond the middle of the eyes. There are conspicuous dark stripes that radiate back from the eyes across the cheek, and a red spot on the ear flap. They may appear similar to rock and shadow bass, but do not have horizontal lines on the side and have three anal spines rather than six.

Scientific Name: Lepomis gulosus

Adult size: 3–12 inches

Distribution: Found in warm waters throughout the state

Trout, Brook

Brook trout have a greenish to grey back, with silver to reddish-orange sides and belly. They have red spots, and pale wavy markings and spots along the back and sides. The lower fins all have white forward margins followed by a distinct black stripe. They differ from other trout in having pale markings on a darker background.

Scientific Name: Salvelinus fontinalis

Adult size: 5–28 inches (few will be above 10 inches in Georgia)

Distribution: Found in the Tennessee, Coosa, Chattahoochee, and Savannah River basins. Natural brook trout populations only exist where rainbow and brown trout do not exist.

Trout, Brown

Brown trout are olive to golden brown with yellowish to silvery sides. The back and upper sides have dark spots that are often encircled with a pale ring, and red spots lower on their sides. Brown trout differ from other trout in lacking pale spots on a dark background or dark spots on the lower part of the tail.

Scientific Name: Salmo trutta

Adult size: 6–33 inches

Distribution: Native to Europe; introduced in the Tennessee, Coosa, Chattahoochee, and Savannah River basins

Trout, Rainbow

Rainbow trout have an olive-green back, a whitish belly, and a broad, pink to red lateral stripe on the sides. They have heavy black speckling on the fins and body. They differ from other trout in lacking red spots or pale spots on a dark background.

Scientific Name: Oncorhyncus mykiss

Adult size: 5–32 inches

Distribution: Native to the Pacific slope of North America; introduced in the Tennessee, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Chattahoochee, and Savannah River basins

Walleye

Walleye are somewhat torpedo-shaped, ranging in color from dark olive-brown to yellowish gold, with brassy-flecked sides, and a dark blotch at the rear of a spiny dorsal fin. It has two separate dorsal fins and the lower lobe of the tail is tipped with white. Its large, glassy eyes reflect light at night.

Scientific Name: Sander vitreus

Adult size: 11–36 inches

Distribution: Native to the Coosa and Tennessee River basins; introduced in the upper Chattahoochee and Savannah River basins

Yellow Perch

Yellow perch have a compressed elongate body, olive to bronze above, yellowish below, with six to nine dark narrow saddles and yellow to orange lower fins. They are most similar in shape to a small walleye, but differ in their distinctive color and pattern.

Scientific Name: Perca flavescens

Adult size: 6–16 inches

Distribution: Found throughout the state, except the far south

Health Benefits of Bass fish

Bass is low in calories and contains a high amount of selenium, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. It helps to lower the chances of cardiovascular ailments, blood pressure, and level of cholesterol. As it contains mercury, it should be consumed in lower amounts.

1. Cancer prevention

It has a high content of omega-3 fatty acids which is a good fat that is essential for maintaining HDL cholesterol in the body. It is also associated to lower the chances of cancer. (1)

2. Reduce weight

It is loaded with sufficient minerals, nutrients, and protein which is essential for losing weight. (2)

3. Healthy heart

It helps to balance omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in the body. It maintains balance in cholesterol and prevents the chances of atherosclerosis, obesity as well as coronary heart disease. It also reduces the strain on the heart and arteries. (3)

4. Treats diabetes

Protein is considered to be a vital part of the diet. Fish are the natural source of protein. It helps to reduce the chances of diabetes. (4)

5. Bone health

It is also an excellent source of selenium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and other minerals that prevent the bones. The high presence of minerals is essential for the maintenance of long-term strength and health. (5)

6. Eye ailments

It contains a high amount of Vitamin A which is an antioxidant that is associated with vision and eye health. It helps to prevent the damage of free radicals that could lead to cataracts and macular degeneration by promoting the vision. (6)

7. Assist growth

Protein helps to prevent the chances of chronic ailments which is essential for the development as well as growth.  The protein obtained from seafood and poultry is healthy in comparison to red meat. It assists in the repair of muscles, tissue and bone. (7)

Precautions

• It should be consumed in moderate amounts.
• The raw fish might cause parasitic infections.

How to Eat         

• It could be baked, broiled, poached, grilled, and sautéd.
• It is usually served with carrots, red & green bell peppers, leeks/ shallots/ onions, shrimp, and potatoes.

http://thelocalcatch.com/black-sea-bass/

Other Facts

• The world record for the black sea bass weight is 4.65 kg (10 lb 4 oz).
• It turns dull black to white when it is taken out of water.
• They could live up toz1ZX 15 or 20 years.
• They are predators which rely on its largemouth as well as swift movements to catch its prey.
• They feed on amphipods, shrimp, and isopods.
• It is a protogynous hermaphrodite which firstly as females and then turn to males.
• All fish could not reverse sex.

Precautions 

• The consumption of sea fish if one is trying to reduce inflammatory diseases such as heart disease.
• Farmed ones contain arsenic that leads to arsenic poisoning.
• Seafood should be cooked safely in order to prevent foodborne illness.
• Pregnant women, young children, older adults, people having lower stomach acid and compromised immune systems (HIV/AIDS, liver disease, cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, people taking steroids, chemotherapy, or immune system) are prone to higher risk.
• It might be contaminated with bacteria such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, and other bacteria relate to land use, sewage discharges, runoff, etc. These microorganisms occur naturally in warm coastal waters which could cause even death or serious illness in individuals who are at higher risk.
• Listeria monocytogenes could cause a serious foodborne illness known as listeriosis.
• The virus Hepatitis A could survive in light cooking. So one should consume it after being properly cooked.
• Fish could have toxins that could cause illness such as ciguatoxin and scombrotoxin, or histamine poisoning.
• Sea fish is related to Scombrotoxin (histamine) which develops when fish is not kept cold enough. The symptoms develop quickly and also disappear completely within 24 hours.
• The flesh of tropical marine fishes might cause ciguatera poisoning experiencing gastrointestinal maladies that could last for several days, weakness in arms and legs, and reversal inability to differentiate between cold and hot. The symptoms could persist for weeks.
• Farmed seafood results in to increase in inflammation leading to weight gain, arthritis, and heart diseases.
• The imbalance ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 causes heart disease and hypertension.
• Seafood and fish in farms have polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organophosphorus (OPs), organochlorine (OC), trifluralin pesticides, and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) causing diseases or even death.
• The seafood has a high content of mercury, which may lead to mercury toxicity.
• Consume it in moderate amounts. So consume it with caution or Avoid consuming it raw.
• Some people might get allergic reactions. So avoid it.
• It has a high chance of contamination.
• One should limit its intake.
• Consult the doctor by pregnant women and children before consuming it. Children and pregnant women should avoid it because the high content of mercury might cause a negative impact on the development of the nervous system of a fetus.
• Seafood or fish have purines in it which is harmful to people having purine-related problems. Excess purines result in an excess buildup of uric acid that could lead to the formation of kidney stones as well as gout.

References