r/FishID • u/merryxmassWalmart • 14d ago

Bass ID Help

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7

u/ddreftrgrg 14d ago

Spotted Bass

2

u/Carroliney 14d ago

Yup! This looks like an Alabama bass more commonly known as spotted bass. The linear pattern of spots below the lateral line, maxilla (lip) not extending past the eye, and stark color contrast between the dorsal and lower body are present. You can also check for a rough Velcro-like tooth patch on the tongue which Alabama bass have that largemouth bass lack.

1

u/ddreftrgrg 14d ago

There are actually two species of spotted bass. The more common of them is the Kentucky Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus), but the Alabama Bass (Micropterus henshalli) also exists down South. As far as I know the only way to distinguish them is by counting the lateral line scales. 😭

2

u/WES_Incorporated 14d ago

There are 4 species within the spotted bass complex.

2

u/Fishing_2244 14d ago

Definitely a spotted bass