The fish called bass are valued all over the world as a source of food. There are hundreds of different species, or types, of bass. Many of them belong to the sea bass family. Others, such as black basses, belong to the sunfish family. Some fishes in other families are also called bass. Most basses have a spiky fin running along their back. Many are dark on top with a pale belly. Basses vary greatly in size. Rock bass are about 6 inches (15 centimeters) long. By contrast, giant sea bass may be more than 6 feet (2 meters) long and more than 500 pounds (225 kilograms) in weight. Sea basses are large-mouthed ocean fishes that usually prefer warmer waters. They are usually large. Some can change color. Sea basses feed on fish, mollusks, and other small animals without spines. They also eat crustaceans, which are animals that live in shells. Black basses live in the freshwater ponds, rivers, and lakes of North America. Largemouth black bass have an upper jawbone that extends beyond their eyes. Their body varies in color from green to black, with a dark, horizontal stripe. Smallmouth black bass are smaller and have a green to brownish color. Black basses feed on smaller fishes. |