Florida’s most popular freshwater game fish has a new name! The American Fisheries Society established the Florida Bass as a separate species from the largemouth bass. This means that in most of Florida (except the western panhandle) what was once known as a largemouth bass is now called a Florida bass. This name change will affect how the fish is referred to in regulations and other communications. However, it will not affect anglers fishing for this iconic freshwater sportfish.
Recent research by Yale University conducted using advanced genetic analysis determined Florida bass to be its own species and confirmed its range is larger than once believed, including parts of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. The scientific names have also been updated: the Florida bass is now Micropterus salmoides, and the largemouth bass is now Micropterus nigricans.
Understanding and conserving fish species is crucial for sustainable recreational fishing and biodiversity preservation. This new understanding of black bass (Micropterus spp.) diversity, distribution, and classification provide an important foundation for better managing and conserving these important and iconic fish. Learn more about the Florida bass name change on the FWC web page and read the press release.

detailed color drawing of a largemouth or florida bass
Posted in Fisheries, FWC, Species Management, Uncategorized, Wildlife