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Photo of a Suwannee Bass

Species profile

Suwannee Bass

Micropterus notius

Bony fishIUCN: Near Threatened99 iNat observations

At a glance

Suwannee Bass (Micropterus notius) is an IUCN Near Threatened bony-fish species with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.

Confirmed by 77 research-grade iNaturalist observations across the species' range.

Notable details

  • One of the smallest black bass species, rarely exceeding 12 inches.
  • Has distinctive blue coloration on its cheeks and belly, unlike any other bass.
  • Found almost exclusively in Florida's Suwannee and Ochlockonee river systems.
  • Thrives in clear, spring-fed rivers with limestone bedrock — a very specific habitat.
  • The world record stands at just under 4 pounds, reflecting its naturally small maximum size.

Background

The Suwannee bass (Micropterus notius) is a species of freshwater fish in the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of order Perciformes. One of the black basses, it is native only to the Suwannee and Ochlockonee River drainages in Florida and Georgia. It has been introduced to the Santa Fe, Ichetucknee, St. Marks, Aucilla and Wacissa systems.

Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Suwannee Bass article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.

Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.