How do you tell a Smallmouth Bass from a Largemouth Bass?

The easiest way is to look at the jaw. In a Smallmouth Bass, the upper jaw does not extend past the back edge of the eye when the mouth is closed. Additionally, Smallmouth Bass usually have vertical dark bands on their sides, whereas Largemouth Bass have a horizontal dark stripe.

Can I keep a Smallmouth Bass in a home aquarium?

Generally, no. They grow very large (up to 50 cm), are incredibly active, and produce a massive bioload. They require thousands of litres of water, making them suitable only for enormous custom-built tanks or outdoor ponds.

What temperature do Smallmouth Bass prefer?

They are a cool-water species, thriving best between 15°C and 24°C. While they can tolerate much colder winter temperatures in deep water, prolonged exposure to temperatures above 26°C can cause severe stress and reduce oxygen availability.

Do Smallmouth Bass eat other fish?

Yes, they are highly effective apex predators. Any fish, frog, or invertebrate small enough to fit into their mouth will likely be treated as a meal.

How fast do Smallmouth Bass grow?

Their growth rate is moderate and heavily dependent on water temperature and food availability. In ideal conditions, they can reach 25 to 30 cm in their first few years, but growth slows significantly as they approach their maximum size.

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Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

A highly prized North American game fish known for its striking bronze colouration and powerful predatory strikes, better suited to outdoor ponds or fisheries than home aquaria.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 10 – 25 °C
pH range: 6.5 – 8.5
Hardness: 5 – 20 dGH
Adult size: 30 – 50 cm
Very large custom aquarium or outdoor pond: 2,000 litres+
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
Diet: Carnivore
Water flow: Moderate to high
Preferred setup: Gravel or rocky substrate with large boulders and submerged timber. Requires highly oxygenated water.

About the Smallmouth Bass

The Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) is a robust, torpedo-shaped predator belonging to the sunfish family, Centrarchidae. Distinct from its largemouth cousin, its jaw does not extend past the eye, and it possesses a more streamlined profile built for flowing water. Often referred to affectionately as the 'bronzeback', it is revered by anglers and public aquaria alike for its spirited nature, intelligence, and striking olive-bronze scales. In a captive setting, it is an imposing and interactive specimen.

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Where Smallmouth Bass comes from

Native range

Saint Lawrence River basin, Great Lakes, Hudson Bay basin, Mississippi River basin

Countries / regions

United States, Canada

Habitat

Clear, cool, and fast-flowing rivers and streams, as well as clear lakes with gravel or rocky substrates.

Widely introduced outside its native range for sport fishing, often becoming an invasive species in non-native watersheds.

Similar species

Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Spotted Bass
Micropterus punctulatus
Rock Bass
Ambloplites rupestris

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Common Carp
Cyprinus carpio
Large enough to avoid being eaten and shares an appreciation for temperate water conditions.
Great
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
A robust, similarly sized bottom dweller that will not be intimidated or consumed by the bass.
Great
Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus
Adult Bluegills are generally safe due to their deep bodies, but juveniles will be viewed as a natural food source.
Compatible with caution
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Can cohabit in very large ponds or lakes, but they directly compete for food and territory; smaller individuals may be bullied.
Compatible with caution
Fathead Minnow
Pimephales promelas
Will be immediately hunted and consumed as they are a natural prey item.
Not recommended

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