The Ozark bass ( Ambloplites constellatus) is a species of freshwater fish in the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of order Centrarchiformes. It is native only to the White River, Sac River, James River, and Pomme de Terre River drainages of Missouri and Arkansas. The species is commonly referred to as "goggle-eye".
Description
The Ozark bass is a comparatively slender species of
Ambloplites with a large eye
which has a red iris.
The brownish-green body has an irregular pattern of black speckling.
This species attains a maximum
fish measurement of , but they are normally around and the maximum published weight is .
Distribution
The Ozark bass is native to the
Ozarks upland reaches of the White River system in Missouri and Arkansas. They have been introduced elsewhere but have failed to establish populations in those areas.
[
]
Habitat and biology
The Ozark bass occurs in creeks and small to medium permanent rivers with high levels of dissolved oxygen, plentiful aquatic vegetation, low turbidity, and sand or rocky beds substrates, with a preference for clear rocky pools close to the banks, boulders, or submerged wood. Males create nests in gravel or small stone substrates, and these are normally situated around a metre of cover.
Relationship with humans
They are a popular game fish in small streams and rivers. The IGFA world record for the species is a twoway tie with fish weighing caught from Bull Shoals Lake in Arkansas and the James River in Missouri.
-
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
-
External links
