Ozark bass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ozark bass |
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The Ozark bass (Ambloplites constellatus) is a type of fish that lives in freshwater. It belongs to the sunfish family called Centrarchidae. This fish is special because it only lives in certain rivers in Missouri and Arkansas. These rivers include the White River, Sac River, James River, and Pomme de Terre river.
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What Does the Ozark Bass Look Like?
The Ozark bass is a slim fish. It has a big eye with a red iris (the colored part of the eye). Its body is brownish-green with black spots. These spots form an irregular pattern. This fish can grow up to about 28 centimeters (11 inches) long. However, they are usually around 13 centimeters (5 inches). The heaviest Ozark bass ever recorded weighed about 450 grams (1 pound).
Where Do Ozark Bass Live?
The Ozark bass naturally lives in the Ozarks region. Specifically, it is found in the upper parts of the White River system. This river system is in both Missouri and Arkansas. People have tried to move them to other places. But the fish have not been able to create new populations there.
Habitat and Life Cycle
Ozark bass live in creeks and small to medium rivers. These waters must have lots of oxygen. They also need plenty of water plants. The water should be clear, not cloudy. The river bottom is usually sand or rocks. They like clear, rocky pools near the banks. They also like areas with big rocks or sunken wood.
Male Ozark bass make nests. They build these nests in gravel or small stones. The nests are usually about one meter (3 feet) away from cover. Spawning (when fish lay eggs) starts when the water reaches 17 degrees Celsius (63 degrees Fahrenheit). The male digs a nest in sand or gravel. The nest is about 20-25 centimeters (8-10 inches) wide. It is dug at depths of 30-150 centimeters (1-5 feet). Females lay their eggs in this nest. The male then guards the nest. He protects the eggs until the baby fish (fry) swim away.
Ozark Bass and People
Ozark bass are popular fish for anglers. People enjoy catching them in small streams and rivers. The IGFA (International Game Fish Association) keeps records for fish. The world record for the Ozark bass is 0.45 kilograms (1 pound). This record is shared by several fish. They were caught in Bull Shoals Lake in Arkansas and the James River in Missouri.
- FishBase: Ambloplites constellatus
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
See also
In Spanish: Ambloplites constellatus para niños
