Roanoke Bass- What Do We Really Know?
The Roanoke Bass is one of those black Bass specie that most know very little about. In fact, even when anglers catch the Roanoke Bass they often think they have caught either a Rock Bass or a Warmouth but here in Virginia there is a good chance that anglers will actually catch a Roanoke Bass especially if fishing in the Montgomery County, Virginia area and if you are targeting Small mouth in skinnier waters and creeks there is a great chance you are going to come into the Roanoke Bass.
The Roanoke Bass (Ambloplites cavifrons) is a unique species of black bass that is basically native to the Roanoke River basin in Virginia and some limited parts of North Carolina. It’s an endemic species, meaning it is found only in this specific geographical area and nowhere else in the world which is kinda cool if you live in Virginia or are visiting on a fishing trip.
The Roanoke Bass is part of the Centrarchidae family, which includes other bass species like Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu), Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides), and Rock Bass (Ambloplites rupestris). Here’s a simple breakdown of our Roanoke Bass origin, biology, home range, and differences from other black bass species:
Origin and Range
The Roanoke Bass was first described in the 1800s but was not formally recognized as a distinct species until the 20th century. It is a species closely related to Rock Bass (think Maury River ) and has a similar appearance but is geographically confined to a fewer river systems. The primary range of the Roanoke Bass includes the Roanoke River and its tributaries in Virginia and North Carolina, such as the Dan, Smith, Eno and Pigg rivers. Primarily though Roanoke Bass are caught in the stretches of the Roanoke River in terms of population densities and agency surveys of River systems.
The Roanoke Bass is not found naturally outside of this specific region, and its population is relatively localized compared to other black bass species. They are restricted to flowing, lowland rivers and creeks, typically found in areas with rocky substrate and moderate water flow. If you think our beloved Small mouth put up fights these Bass much like the Shoalies in Georgia pack a solid fight in their own right. (Virginia DWR image)
Genetics and Taxonomy
Genetically, the Roanoke Bass is distinct from other black bass species, though it shares some common traits with the Rock Bass. While the two species may look similar in coloration and body shape, their genetic differences are significant enough to warrant classification as a separate species.
Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass, for instance, belong to the Micropterus genus, whereas the Roanoke Bass belongs to the Ambloplites genus, placing it more closely related to species like the Rock Bass and the Warmouth. The Roanoke Bass’s unique genetic makeup makes it quite different from the more widespread Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass.
Genetic differences between the Roanoke Bass and other species of black bass mean that they often exhibit different growth patterns, mating behaviors, and physiological adaptations to their environment.
Size and Growth
Roanoke Bass are generally smaller than both Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass. The average size for an adult Roanoke Bass is around 8-12 inches. However, they can reach a maximum length of about 16 inches, although they rarely grow to this size outside any other River other than the Roanoke.
Here’s a breakdown of the size range for each year of life:
First year: Roanoke Bass juveniles typically grow to about 2-3 inches by the end of their first year, depending on environmental conditions like food availability and water temperature.
Second year: By their second year, they can grow to about 4-6 inches.
Third year: At this point, they may reach 6-8 inches.
Adults (3+ years): At maturity, adult Roanoke Bass typically range from 8-12 inches, with some individuals growing larger but rarely exceeding 16 inches in length.
Behavior and Habitat Preferences
Roanoke Bass are incredibly adaptable within their home range but have certain habitat preferences that set them apart from other black bass species. Here are some behavioral and ecological differences:
Habitat:
Roanoke Bass tend to favor rocky, flowing river habitats with moderate current speeds, unlike the Largemouth Bass, which are often found in slower, weedy lakes or reservoirs. Roanoke Bass are less common in standing waters.
They thrive in shallow areas with rocky or gravelly bottoms, making them similar in habitat preference to Rock Bass but differing from Smallmouth Bass, which can also be found in deeper, colder waters.
Diet and Feeding:
The Roanoke Bass feeds primarily on invertebrates, such as small crustaceans, insect larvae, and smaller fish. Their diet is more omnivorous compared to the more strictly carnivorous diet of the Smallmouth Bass.
They do not have the same predatory behavior seen in Largemouth Bass, which are more aggressive and can take on larger prey.
Behavior:
Roanoke Bass are generally more docile than their Largemouth and Smallmouth cousins. They tend to stay closer to the river bottom or hide under submerged rocks, logs, or structures.
Unlike Smallmouth Bass, which are more mobile and roam larger areas, Roanoke Bass remain more territorial and can be seen guarding nesting sites in spring, though their nests are typically smaller and less conspicuous than those of other black bass species.
Spawning:
Roanoke Bass typically spawn in spring when water temperatures reach around 60-70°F. They create nests in shallow gravel or rocky areas, and males build and guard the nests, similar to other black bass species.
The spawning behavior is somewhat less aggressive compared to Largemouth Bass but still involves intense male guarding, where males protect the fertilized eggs and later the fry.
Conservation Status
The Roanoke Bass, while not currently listed as endangered, is restricted in range and faces threats from habitat alteration, pollution, and the introduction of non-native species like the Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. These invasive bass species can sometimes outcompete the Roanoke Bass for food and spawning sites. A big worry not only for Small mouth but now also Roanoke Bass is the potential for the Alabama Bass invasive range being widened and thus threatening both Smallies and Roanoke Bass in their native ranges.
Key Differences from Other Black Bass
Size: Roanoke Bass are generally smaller, rarely growing over 16 inches, compared to Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, which can exceed 20 inches.
Habitat: Roanoke Bass prefer fast-moving rivers with rocky bottoms, while Largemouth Bass thrive in slower, weedy lakes, and Smallmouth Bass prefer clearer, colder rivers and lakes.
Genetics: The Roanoke Bass is genetically distinct from both Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, classified in the genus Ambloplites as opposed to Micropterus.
Behavior: Roanoke Bass are generally less aggressive and more territorial compared to the more predatory and mobile Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass.
The Roanoke Bass is a fascinating and regionally important species with unique biological and ecological characteristics but rarely gets the attention that it deserves. While it shares a family with other black bass, it stands apart in both its genetics and behaviors but in reality its home range is so limited to such a few river systems in Virginia and North Carolina that most anglers are unfamiliar with the specie.
Protecting or at very least conserving the Roanoke Bass is essential given its limited range and the threats that both other invasive species as well as humans may pose to their future.
Resources:
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