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

Suwannee bass

Micropterus notius Bailey & Hubbs, 1949
Max Length
40 cm
Max Weight
1.8 kg
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
4.1
Depth
-
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
42.00/100
Typical Length
21.3 cm
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Suwannee bass (Micropterus notius), first described by Bailey & Hubbs, 1949 is a large fish in the family Centrarchidae (order Centrarchiformes). Adults typically reach 40.00 cm in maximum length and up to 1.800 kg. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Subtropical waters. Diet is predominantly piscivorous, targeting other fish and larger prey. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Near Threatened.The species is valued as a game and sport species.

Scientific Name
Micropterus notius
Authority
Bailey & Hubbs, 1949
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Subtropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
NT
Max Length
40 cm
Max Weight
1.8 kg
Trophic Level
4.1
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
42.00/100
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

: fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Suwannee bass is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

small fish
crustaceans
cephalopods

🥚 Reproduction

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

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; demersal. Subtropical; 31°N - 29°N North America: occurs only in Suwannee River drainage in Florida and Ochlockonee River drainage in Florida and Georgia in the USA.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
4.1±0.66

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.0123 × L3.07 (TL)
Max TL
40cm
Max Weight
1,800g

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Near Threatened
Assessment Date
2012

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
42.00/100
Moderate vulnerability
Trophic Level
4.1
Apex / Top predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Bailey & Hubbs, 1949

🎣 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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