Species profile
Roanoke Bass
Ambloplites cavifrons
At a glance
Roanoke Bass (Ambloplites cavifrons) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 2 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
The strictest bag limit is 2 (North Carolina); the most generous is 5 (Virginia).
Confirmed by 91 research-grade iNaturalist observations across the species' range.
Notable details
- Native only to a handful of river systems in Virginia and North Carolina.
- Named after the Roanoke River, a core part of its natural range.
- Prefers cool, clear, rocky streams and is sensitive to poor water quality.
- Rarely exceeds 10 inches in length.
- Considered a species of conservation concern due to its extremely limited native range.
Where Roanoke Bass are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Roanoke Bass
Background
The Roanoke bass (Ambloplites cavifrons) is a species of freshwater fish in the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of order Perciformes. It is native only to a few river systems, including the Eno River in North Carolina and the Roanoke River in Virginia and North Carolina.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Roanoke Bass article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.