ROCK BASS (Ambloplites rupestris)

THE FISH

Rock bass is also a member of the widespread sunfish family and is as well known as pumpkinseed. Like the pumpkinseed and the bluegill, rock bass have similarities with the clan and significant differences in shape, habitat, and preferred foods.

They are shaped like a sunfish but have a deeper, thicker body and are not as colorful. The high frontal dorsal fin has 11 rays or upright bones and the softer posterior section has ten. The fish can be found in various shades of olive green, from yellow to almost black. Each scale has a small black dot on the outer edge.

Two identifying features separate rock bass from the other sunfish: a larger mouth with teeth and a red iris, a feature that in certain quarters has led to the name "red-eye bass."

A big rock bass is a foot long and about two pounds. The average fish, however. reaches a length of eight to ten inches and weighs much less.

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