Florida Bass vs Largemouth Bass
How to Distinguish Between a Largemouth Bass and a Florida Bass
Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and Florida bass (Micropterus salmoides floridanus) are two kinds of black bass that belong to the same species but differ in some aspects. They are both native to North America and are very popular among anglers for their fighting spirit and aggressiveness. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between these two fish and learn some interesting facts about them.
What are they?
The largemouth bass is a black bass that is part of the sunfish family. It lives in various freshwater habitats across North America, such as lakes, rivers, ponds and reservoirs. It is one of the most sought-after sport fish in the US and is known for its large mouth that extends past the eye when closed.
The Florida bass is a subspecies of largemouth bass that is native to Florida and some parts of Georgia and Alabama. It was introduced to other states and countries as a trophy fish because of its ability to grow bigger than the largemouth bass. It is also called the Florida strain or F1 bass.
How do they look?
The largemouth bass and the Florida bass look very much alike and are difficult to distinguish by appearance alone. They both have a long body with a greenish-gray color on the back and sides and a white or light belly. They both have a dark stripe that runs from the head to the tail and is made of blotches. They both have a large mouth that extends past the eye when closed.
However, there are some minor differences between them that can help you identify them. The Florida bass tends to have smaller scales than the largemouth bass in relation to its body size. It also has more scales along the lateral line (69 to 73) than the largemouth bass (59 to 65). The Florida bass also tends to have more girth and thickness through the tail than the largemouth bass.
| Feature | Largemouth Bass | Florida Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Scales along lateral line | 59 to 65 | 69 to 73 |
| Girth | Normal | Thicker |
| Color | Greenish-gray | Same |
How do they grow?
The biggest difference between the largemouth bass and the Florida bass is in their size and growth rates. The largemouth bass rarely grows bigger than 10 pounds, while the Florida bass has the potential to grow up to 20 pounds or heavier. The world record for largemouth bass is tied at 22 pounds 4 ounces and both fish were caught in Japan from waters stocked with Florida bass.
The reason why the Florida bass grows larger than the largemouth bass is because of its warmer environment and longer growing season. The Florida bass can grow faster and longer than the largemouth bass, which matures earlier and stops growing sooner. However, this also means that the Florida bass is more sensitive to cold water and stress than the largemouth bass.
| Feature | Largemouth Bass | Florida Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum size | 10 pounds | 20 pounds |
| Growth rate | Normal | Faster |
| Cold tolerance | Higher | Lower |
How do they behave?
The largemouth bass and the Florida bass have similar feeding habits and preferences. They both eat a variety of prey items, such as fish, crayfish, frogs, insects and worms. They both are opportunistic predators that ambush their prey from cover or chase them in open water. They both are active throughout the day, but more so during dawn and dusk.
However, there are some behavioral differences between them that can affect their catchability. The Florida bass tends to be more cautious and picky than the largemouth bass, which makes it harder to catch on artificial lures. The Florida bass also tends to be more territorial and aggressive than the largemouth bass, which makes it more likely to attack other fish or anglers’ hands.
| Feature | Largemouth Bass | Florida Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding habits | Similar | Similar |
| Catchability | Easier | Harder |
| Aggressiveness | Normal | Higher |
Comparison
| Feature | Florida bass | Largemouth bass |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Up to 38 inches and 17 pounds | Up to 29 inches and 10 pounds |
| Growth rate | Faster and longer | Slower and shorter |
| Lifespan | Up to 16 years | Up to 10 years |
| Coloration | Similar to largemouth bass, but thicker through the tail and more girthy | Similar to Florida bass, but slimmer through the tail and less girthy |
| Habitat | Warm water with abundant vegetation and cover, tolerant of turbid water | Warm water with abundant vegetation and cover, intolerant of turbid water |
| Distribution | Native to peninsular Florida, introduced to other regions by stocking and illegal introductions | Native to most of eastern North America, introduced to other regions by stocking and illegal introductions |
The largemouth bass and the Florida bass are two kinds of black bass that share many similarities but also have some differences. They both are prized sport fish that offer a great challenge and excitement for anglers. However, they differ in their appearance, size, growth rate, catchability and aggressiveness. Knowing these differences can help you choose the right fish for your pond or lake, or the right lure for your fishing trip. Whether you prefer the northern strain or the Florida strain, you can enjoy the thrill of catching a largemouth bass.😊
