Florida & Native Black Bass  |
| Two subspecies of largemouth bass exist in Texas: the native Micropterus salmoides salmoides and the Florida largemouth bass , Micropterus salmoides floridanus .The two subspecies are visually indistinguishable, although they may be distinguished by genetic testing procedures. Both are usually green with dark blotches that form a horizontal stripe along the middle of the fish on either side. The underside ranges in color from light green to almost white. The dorsal fin is almost divided, with the anterior portion containing 9 spines and the posterior portion containing 12-13 soft rays. Largemouth bass may be distinguished from other black basses in that the upper jaw reaches far beyond the rear margin of the eye. Micropterus is Greek, meaning "small fin" [see Guadalupe bass for further explanation]. Salmoides is from the Greek salmo , meaning "trout", and refers to the fact that largemouth bass have been called "trout" in some southern states. |
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