Scientific Name: Micropterus salmoides

Residency: Non-native in Arizona; native to the Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, Mississippi River, also from North Carolina to Florida and northern Mexico in Atlantic drainages. This fish has been introduced to other parts of North America and parts of Asia, Europe, and South America.

Habitat: Clear and calm ponds, lakes, swamps, and backwaters with plenty of vegetation.

Diet: Adults consume primarily other fish, but will also consume frogs and crayfish. Young feed on insects, small crustaceans, and small fish.

Breeding: When water temperatures reach 15 degrees Celsius males become aggressive and set up territories in shallow waters where they build a nest. Females release eggs into the nest for the males to fertilize. Males will then guard the eggs from predators.

Status: Not considered threatened. Can potentially be a pest in areas where it has been introduced.

Photo: To be added.

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