Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)

Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) are a beautiful and iconic 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 country. Often just referred to as just “smallmouth” or “SMB”, they can reach anywhere from 2-6lbs and 12”-20” as adults, with the world record being almost 12lbs! 

Smallmouth bass are one of the most popular sportfish in the United States and are widely regarded amongst bass anglers as putting up a harder fight pound for pound against largemouth bass. They have been introduced throughout temperate zones in the United States and Canada and even in several other countries around the world! 

Smallmouth aren’t available to aquarists nearly as often as largemouth and are highly sought after by dedicated native fish hobbyists. 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 of space as adults coupled with heavy filtration. Tankmates should be chosen carefully; popular choices are other bass and large panfish, gar, suckers, walleye, perch, bullheads, channel catfish and other medium-large catfish species. 

Origin: The currently available specimens are hatchery bred and raised. 

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 smallmouth I sell are feed trained on appropriately sized pellets.*

Adult Size: Average 12”-20” and 2-6lbs. Can exceed 6lbs in exceptional cases. 

pH: 7.5-8.5.

Water Temp: 65-78F 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. Smallmouth are sensitive to higher temperatures and do best at room temperature or cooler. 

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 ssmallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) 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!