The Sunfish Family 5 



As its range, or distribution, is so great and 

 extensive, and the waters it inhabits are so differ- 

 ent in hue and character, the coloration of tlie 

 small-mouth bass varies from almost black to the 

 faintest tinge of green, in different sections of 

 the country. The coloration is so variable that 

 it differs even in fish in the same waters. It is 

 influenced mostly by the hue of the water, char- 

 acter of the bottom, the presence or absence of 

 weeds about the haunts of the bass, and, more- 

 over, the changes in color may occur in a very 

 short time when subject to these various condi- 

 tions. The general color, however, is greenish 

 of various shades, always darker on the back, and 

 paling to white or whitish on the belly. When 

 markings are present, they form vertical patches 

 or bars, never horizontal. Three bronze streaks 

 extend from the eye across the cheeks. All 

 markings, however, may become obsolete with 

 age. 



The natural food of both species is crawfish, 

 which might be inferred from the character of 

 their teeth and wide-opening mouth. There is 

 a popular belief that they are essentially and 

 habitually piscivorous ; but this is an error ; they 

 are not so black as they are painted. They feed 



