Fish · GBIF taxon 2394514
Rock Bass
Ambloplites rupestrisAlso known as Rock Perch, Goggle-Eye, Red Eye, Black Perch
Prominent crimson eyes and dark brassy mottling make this robust sunfish instantly recognizable along rocky riverbeds and lake shores. Individuals possess a remarkable ability to shift their camouflage from light olive to near black within minutes to blend into surrounding cover. Males fan out shallow circular nests in gravel during spring and fiercely guard their eggs against intrusive nest robbers.
FreshwaterSpiny-FinnedStream Dweller
Licensed reference(c) Quinn, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Quinn · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Crayfish
- Aquatic Insects
- Small Fish
Predators
- Northern Pike
- Walleye
- Great Blue Heron
ThreatsSiltation, water pollution, and stream channelization
HabitatsClear streams, rocky lakes, rivers, and vegetated shallows
Life span7–10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCentrarchidae
- SpeciesAmbloplites rupestris
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Sharp dorsal and anal fin spines can puncture hands; handle carefully from underneath.
Responsible observation
- Handling: Slide fingers underneath from head to tail to safely depress dorsal spines before unhooking.
- Observation: Search around shaded undercut banks and submerged rocky ledges during midday hours.
Competitor (c) Nick Tobler (Cowturtle), some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nick Tobler (Cowturtle) · cc-by
Frequent Companion USFWS Mountain Prairie / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative 
Close Relative (c) Kristiina Hurme, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kristiina Hurme · cc-by
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