Florida Largemouth Bass

Micropterus floridanus

Centrarchidae · freshwater water fish

1 minute read · Species guide

Florida Largemouth Bass field guide illustration

About Florida Largemouth Bass

Florida largemouth bass is a freshwater black bass whose scientific name has changed across classifications. This catalog uses Micropterus floridanus; a 2022 genomic revision treats that name as a synonym of Micropterus salmoides, reserving Micropterus nigricans for the widespread largemouth bass.

Why names differ

The revision reexamined the original descriptions alongside genetic evidence. It concluded that the original name salmoides belongs to Florida bass, reversing a long-standing convention in many fishing and biological references. Older sources using salmoides for northern largemouth bass therefore need interpretation rather than automatic reassignment.

Sources: Phylogenomics and species delimitation of the economically important Black Basses

Identification context

Florida and northern largemouth bass look similar. The genetic distinction matters for stocking and population records, especially where the two have interbred. A fish’s size or a Florida capture locality alone does not establish pure ancestry; management programs use genetic information when that distinction is important.

Sources: Other Black Basses

Guide sources

Research reviewed 2026-10-19.

Statute

The official state fish of Florida

  • Floridaas Florida largemouth bass (freshwater), named 2007

A state fish is chosen by statute. It says nothing about how common the fish is in the state. See every official state fish.

Range

Where it lives

Share of 1,455 GBIF observation records with a state location, across 9 states.
0%
92.8%
Share of 1,455 GBIF observation records with a state location, across 9 states.

Habitat

Water and movement

Water
WoRMS records this species in fresh water.

Classification

Taxonomy

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Superclass
Actinopterygii
Class
Teleostei
Order
Perciformes
Genus
Micropterus
Species
Micropterus floridanus
ITIS TSN
1159343
WoRMS AphiaID
1022760
GBIF key
5211240

Common questions about Florida Largemouth Bass

What is the scientific name of Florida Largemouth Bass?
The scientific name is Micropterus floridanus, in the family Centrarchidae. Classification follows ITIS.
Does Florida Largemouth Bass live in fresh water or salt water?
WoRMS records this species in fresh water.
Where has Florida Largemouth Bass been recorded in the United States?
GBIF has observations in 9 states, with the most records in Texas, Florida, Louisiana. The map shows observation records, which do not establish the complete natural range.

Closest relatives

Other Micropterus species

Same family

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