Invasive Species Council of British Columbia
Invasive Animal

Largemouth bass

Micropterus salmoides

About This Species

Largemouth bass (Widemouth bass, Bucketmouth) were intentionally introduced into BC as a stock fish from their native range of Eastern North America and are now found across the province. They are predators with an omnivorous diet, feeding on plankton, smaller fish, amphibians, insects, crustaceans, and even young turtles. This species has a serious potential to disrupt food webs when introduced to new habitats and has been identified as a potential threat to multiple aquatic species at risk in BC. 

Largemouth bass prefer the upper levels of small shallow lakes and shallow bays of larger lakes, where the water is warmer and tend to be more aquatic plants to take shelter. Largemouth bass are designated as a Management species by the BC Provincial Priority Invasive Species List. 

How to Identify

Largemouth bass have two dorsal fins that are joined together. The dorsal, caudal, and tail fins are semi-opaque and green, while the pectoral fins are amber and clear. The overall colouration of the fish varies depending on habitat – fish that live in clear water tend to be darker, while those living in murky water tend to be lighter. 

Take Action

Prevention is the best approach.

PREVENTION TIPS

 

It is illegal to move fish between waterways in BC. The use of live finfish as bait is strictly prohibited in BC.

Don't Let it Loose

Don't Let It Loose

Learn about best practices

Invasive species are plants, animals or other organisms that are not native to BC, and have serious impacts on our environment, economy and society. Never release your plants and animals into the wild or dump aquariums or water garden debris into rivers, streams, lakes or storm sewers!

Clean, Drain, Dry

Learn about best practices

The Clean Drain Dry program empowers you to help reduce the spread of invasive plants and organisms to BC waters by following the clean, drain, dry procedure on all watercraft and equipment.

REPORT TO PROTECT BC’S BIODIVERSITY

Use the app

Observe and report to protect BC’s biodiversity

Report through this website

Use our form to tell us what you’re seeing and where.

CONTACT INFORMATION

INVASIVE SPECIES INFORMATION

Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 3 files.
Please include photos of the suspected species to help potential identification by experts.
Please be specific and give us an address if possible.