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Florida bass
Common name:
Florida bassScientific name:
Micropterus floridanusAlternative common names:
Largemouth bass, bass, American black bass, bayou bass, bigmouth bass, black bass, bucket mouth, chub, green bass, green trout, lake bass, largemouth, largemouth black bass, line side, marsh bass, northern largemouth bass, Oswego bass, slough bass, southern largemouth, trout, welchman.
The Florida bass is an olive green fish with a series of dark, sometimes black, blotches forming a jagged horizontal stripe along each flank. The upper jaw extends far beyond the rear margin of the eye. Adult largemouth bass are considered top predators in many habitats where they reside and rarely become prey due to their size, swimming speed and protective dorsal spines.
Additional Info
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Where does this species come from?
Florida, United States of America.What is its invasive status in South Africa?
NEMBA Category 1b in fish sanctuaries, national parks, provincial reserves, mountain catchment areas and forestry reserves declared in terms of the Protected Areas Act.Where in South Africa is it a problem?
Eastern Cape.How does it spread?
Introduced into many countries due to its popularity as a sport fish.Why is it a problem?
Florida bass are major a threat to aquatic biodiversity in South Africa because their predation on and competition with indigenous fishes and invertebrates has impacted negatively on aquatic community structure and has fragmented indigenous fish populations.What does it look like?
Description: Florida bass grow to 10-15cm during their first year, 20-30cm in two years and 40cm in three years. They are usually green with dark blotches that form a horizontal stripe along the middle of the fish on either side. The underside ranges in colour from light green to almost white. They have a nearly divided dorsal fin, with the anterior portion containing nine spines and the posterior portion containing 12-13 soft rays. Their upper jaw reaches far beyond the rear margin of the eye. Habitat: Florida bass seek protective cover such as logs, rock ledges, vegetation and man-made structures. They prefer clear, quiet water, but will survive quite well in a variety of habitats. Breeding: The male prepares the nest for the female, which lays between 2 000-4 000 eggs, depending on her size. The male will stay and guard the eggs, which hatch within a week.
General News Updates
2019 National Symposium on Biological Invasio…
26-02-2019
This is your invitation to South Africa's 2019 National Symposium on Biological Invasions. The convention is hosted by the Centre for Invasion Biology (CIB), University of Stellenbosch, and the Biolo... Read more
2019 Invasive Species Training
22-01-2019
During the past five years (2014-2018), ISSA invasive species trainers have trained 4 000 in the identification of invasive species and laws pertaining to invasive species across South Africa. ... Read more
Alien Grass Working Group
04-09-2018
Who are we? The South African National Alien Grass Working Group was jointly initiated by the South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the Centre for Excellence in Invasion Biology (C·I·B) in... Read more
Permits for planting indigenous Cynodon?
01-03-2018
On 16 February, 2018, South Africa's Department of Environmental Affairs issued amendments to the regulations and lists relating to the National List of Invasive Species. Updates to the draft&n... Read more
Invasive species training 2018 dates released
28-02-2018
Interested in invasive species? How much do you know about NEMBA invasive species compliance for landowners and organs of state? The South African Green Industries Council (SAGIC) have released... Read more
Communications post for Africa advertised
25-01-2018
The Nature Conservancy has advertised a brand new post: Communications Manager, Africa Region. Knowledge of invasive species and water would be an asset in this post. See details below: Job Titl... Read more
Atlantis Aquifer Invasive Plant Control
The Nature Conservancy Director of Water Funds for South Africa, Louise Stafford, is inviting invasive species teams, mentors and experts to submit proposals for an invasive species clearing project in Atlantis, Western Cape. The…
Xhosa names for invasive plants
46 Xhosa names for invasive plants have been identified by the Selmar Schonland Herbarium, Rhodes University Botany Department, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape. The first list of Xhosa names for plants was compiled…
Removal of invasive vegetation at Wemmershoek Dam will help City save water
"Enormous progress has been made on removing invasive alien vegetation in the catchment area around Wemmershoek Dam", says Executive Mayor, Patricia de Lille, City of Cape Town. "Invasive alien vegetation around…
Invasive species clearing campaign in Jukskei Park
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo launched National Invasive Species Week initiatives on Thursday 12 October, 2017 in Juweel Park, Jukskei Park, Randburg, Gauteng. National Invasive Species Week is an awareness campaign…
Sign up for Invasive Species Training this November ...
The last two sessions of SAGIC Invasive Species legislation and herbicide applicator’s course in 2017 will take place in November. Are you interested in flora and fauna? How much do you…