Suwannee bass | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Perciformes |
Family: | Centrarchidae |
Genus: | Micropterus |
Species: | M. notius |
Binomial name | |
Micropterus notius R. M. Bailey & C. L. Hubbs, 1949 |
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.
One of the smaller black basses, the Suwannee bass reaches a maximum overall length of only 40 cm (16 in), with a maximum recorded weight of 1.83 kg (almost 4 lb).
It inhabits shallow, rocky streams, springs, and pools.
While not as well known as other black basses, M. notius is also fished for sport.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/fish/freshwater/suwannee-bass/