State Freshwater Fish
Florida Bass
One of America's most-prized gamefish, the Florida Bass (Micropterus salmoides) seems to grow to unusually large size in Florida waters. It can reach a length of more than twenty inches and weigh more than fifteen pounds. This black bass is an elongated sunfish, whose distinguishing feature, aside from its exceptionally large mouth, is a deep notch in the dorsal fin. Florida Bass usually live in quiet waters that contain bountiful vegetation.
The 1975, legislature designated the Florida largemouth bass as the official state freshwater fish. In 2024, the official name of Florida’s state freshwater fish was changed to “Florida Bass” to better reflect its unique identity and significance to our state.
You can find more information about the Florida Bass from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.