The largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) is a member of the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) along with breams (Lepomis spp.), crappies (Pomoxis spp.) and several other genera. Members of the genus Micropterus are known as the black basses. The largemouth bass is native to the Midwestern and southeastern United States and northeastern Mexico, but has been introduced throughout the United States and many other countries.
The great demand for largemouth bass and their high selling price (compared to other cultured species) have raised interest in their commercial culture. (Amin,1983)
There are two recognized subspecies of largemouth bass, the Florida and the Northern. These subspecies blend genetically in areas of overlap and subspecies can be positively identified only biochemically.
In the southern U.S. largemouth can spawn when 1 year old if they have reached at least 10 inches in length. Males begin to select nest sites when temperatures remain higher than 60o F. The male will fan out a nest about 20 inches in diameter and 6 inches deep. A substrate of sand or gravel is preferred, but silt or clay will be used if necessary. Nests are usually constructed within 7 to 8 feet of shore at depths of 1 to 4 feet (sometimes deeper if the water is very clear). Nests are usually at least 20 feet apart.
The male will fan out a nest about 20 inches in diameter and 6 inches deep. A substrate of sand or gravel is preferred, but silt or clay will be used if necessary. Nests are usually constructed within 7 to 8 feet of shore at depths of 1 to 4 feet (sometimes deeper if the water is very clear). Nests are usually at least 20 feet apart. Males guard the nest and the eggs during incubation......
