Fauna
Fish

Guadalupe Bass

Micropterus treculii

Also known as Guadalupe Spotted Bass, Black Bass

Adapted to swift currents, Guadalupe bass thrive in the clear, spring-fed rivers and rocky streams of the Texas Hill Country. They rely on gravelly riffles and deep pools to ambush crayfish and aquatic insects, staying near cover like overhanging vegetation and submerged boulders. Conservation efforts focus on stream restoration and managing non-native bass species to preserve pure genetic lines of this native stream predator.

EndemicRiver-DwellingGame Fish
Guadalupe Bass reference1 / 6
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Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyCrayfish, Mayfly nymphs, Small minnows
Predators
  • Herons
  • Ospreys
  • Larger predatory fish
ThreatsHybridization with introduced smallmouth bass, habitat degradation, reduced streamflow
HabitatsClear, fast-flowing spring-fed streams and rocky rivers
Life span7–12 years
Classification
  1. FamilyCentrarchidae
  2. SpeciesMicropterus treculii
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe; practice gentle handling if caught during catch-and-release fishing.
What to notice
Recognizable by greenish olive coloration, rows of dark spots below the main lateral stripe, and a dorsal fin notch.
Support conservation
Practice strict catch-and-release using barbless artificial lures and minimize out-of-water handling time.
Responsible observation
  • Catch and Release: Use barbless hooks and handle with wet hands to minimize harm to the slime coat.
  • Habitat Protection: Avoid disturbing shallow gravel beds during spring spawning from March through June.
  • Identification: Look for small scales on the tail base and dark spots below the lateral line.
Related species
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