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💧 Freshwater Near Threatened 🎣 Game Fish 🌡️ Subtropical 🎣 Game Fish

Shoal bass

Micropterus cataractae Williams & Burgess, 1999
Max Length
61 cm
Max Weight
4.0 kg
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.7
Depth
-
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
56.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Shoal bass (Micropterus cataractae), first described by Williams & Burgess, 1999 is a large fish in the family Centrarchidae (order Centrarchiformes). Adults typically reach 61.00 cm in maximum length and up to 4.000 kg. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Subtropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Near Threatened.The species is valued as a game and sport species.

Scientific Name
Micropterus cataractae
Authority
Williams & Burgess, 1999
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Subtropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
NT
Max Length
61 cm
Max Weight
4 kg
Trophic Level
3.7
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
56.00/100
Migration
Non-migratory
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

: fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Shoal bass is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous 🪺 Nest Builder 🛡️ Egg Guarder
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Nest
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic; non-migratory . Subtropical North America: Apalachicola ecoregion, USA.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Migration
Non-migratory
Trophic Level
3.7±0.5

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.0123 × L3.07 (TL)
Max TL
61cm
Max Weight
4,000g

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Near Threatened
Assessment Date
2012

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Low
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
56.00/100
High vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.7
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Williams & Burgess, 1999

🎣 Angling Guide

Difficulty
Beginner
Fight Rating
strong initial run with head-shakes
Best Seasons
spring,summer,fall
Best Time
dawn and dusk
Line Weight
10-20
Rod Type
medium-heavy baitcasting
Hook Size
2/0-5/0
Catch & Release
✓ Recommended
Best Months
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Techniques
topwater lures plastic worms crankbaits spinnerbaits live bait
Bait & Lures
plastic worms crankbaits jigs topwater plugs live minnows
Recommended Tackle
  • medium-heavy 6-7ft baitcasting rod
  • fluorocarbon leader
  • baitcaster reel
Where to Find Them
  • weedy shallows
  • submerged timber
  • rocky drop-offs
  • docks and boat lifts
Tips & Tricks
Vary retrieve speed; cold fronts slow fish. Weedless rigs excel in cover.
Catch & Release Tips

Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.

Regulations Summary

⚠️ Bag limits vary; check local slot-size regulations.

📊 Population Dynamics

Year Region Index Notes
- - -

👥 Community & Contribute

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