Range and natural history
Its green to yellow-green fin rays lack the orange or red pigments seen in several related species. Vertical bars and elongated marks form a pattern along the sides, but pattern alone does not settle identification. Scale counts, body proportions and the tongue tooth patch are also used.
The narrow drainage range is important context when evaluating historical redeye-bass records. FishBase documents a distinct genetic lineage, so information labeled Micropterus coosae in older works may require rechecking before it is applied to Tallapoosa bass.
