Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) are an impressive species of black bass native to eastern North America. They are one of the most widely recognized North American fish and one of the most sought-after freshwater sportfish in the world. Often just referred to as just “largemouth” or “LMB”, they are the largest species of black bass with several recorded specimens over 20lbs and exceeding 25” in length. However most largemouth average 13”-20” in length and 1-5lbs in weight. 

Largemouth bass are one of the most popular fish in the United States due to their value as both a sportfish and as table fare. They have been introduced throughout every state (except Alaska) and even in several other countries throughout the world! 

They are easily one of the most exciting and personable North American gamefish that can be raised in aquaria but it is very important to keep in mind that these fish will need several hundred gallons worth of space as adults coupled with heavy filtration. Tankmates should be chosen carefully; popular choices are other bass and large panfish, gar, larger South American cichlids such as peacock bass and oscars, koi/carp, bullheads, channel catfish and other medium-large catfish species, and various pond turtles. 

The currently available specimens are hatchery bred and raised. 

Please keep in mind that these fish were bred and raised in outdoor ponds and some may have minor cosmetic imperfections such as an imperfect fin or old scar.

Care Level: Intermediate.

Diet: Carnivorous, eating just about anything they can try to fit into their mouthes. Fish, shrimp, crawfish, crabs, tadpoles, worms etc. They will readily take pellet foods if raised on them. Pellet feeds should be quality, high protein pellets made for predatory fish. (ex. Purina Aquamax Sportfish pellets). *All largemouth I sell are feed trained on appropriately sized pellets.*

Adult Size: Average 13”-20” and 1-5lbs. Can exceed 24” and 5lbs+. 

pH: 6.5-8.5

Water Temp: 68-82F is ideal in a captive setting, however they can tolerate temperatures outside of these ranges.

Other Care Preferences: These fish will need several hundreds gallons as adults and are only suitable for very large aquariums and ornamental ponds. They are bullies and need to be with tankmates that they cannot fit into their mouth as well as tankmates that can hold their own with aggressive fish. Largemouth are successfully kept with various South American cichlids, larger North American panfish and other similarly sized or larger gamefish, catfish, koi, and pond turtles as well as a few other “monster” aquarium fish. 

NEVER release your fish into the wild or stock public waterways without permission from a government agency!

*We are a licensed dealer and propagator of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and fish in the state of Pennsylvania. All of our native and game fish (including bullfrogs, northern green frogs, and their tadpoles) come from licensed dealers and propagators with proof of receipt (available upon request to government agencies only). We WILL NOT under ANY circumstance sell any herptiles or fish collected from the commonwealth of PA, so please do not ask!*

Live largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) for sale at MJS Reptiles. Live tropical and North American fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates for sale online and shipped right to your front door!