Texas Symbols, State Fish: Guadalupe Bass

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Guadelupe Bass

(Micropterus treculi)

Adopted on May 22, 1989.

The Guadalupe bass, a member of the genus Micropterus within the sunfish family, was named the official state fish of Texas by the 71st Legislature in 1989. It is one of a group of fish collectively known as black bass.

Other names: Black bass, Guadalupe spotted bass

Description

The Guadalupe bass, like other "black bass" including largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, is not a true bass at all but a member of the sunfish family Centrarchidae. Micropterus is Greek, meaning "small fin" and is a rather unfortunate misnomer arising from an injured type specimen that made it appear that the posterior rays of the soft dorsal fin formed a small separate fin. Treculi refers to Trecul, the French compatriot of Vaillant and Bocourt. Trecul actually caught the specimen. The Guadalupe bass is generally green in color and may be distinguished from similar species found in Texas in that it doesn't have vertical bars like smallmouth bass, its jaw doesn't extend beyond the eyes as in largemouth bass, and coloration extends much lower on the body than in spotted bass.

Length: Up to 12 inches
Weight: Up to 1 pound
Life span: Up to 7 years

Biology

Both males and females become sexually mature when they are one year old. Guadalupe bass spawning begins as early as March and continues through May and June. A secondary spawn is possible in late summer or early fall. Like all other black bass, Guadalupe bass build gravel nests for spawning, preferably in shallow water. As with spotted bass and smallmouth bass, males tend to build nests in areas with higher flow rates than largemouth bass. When a male has successfully attracted a female to the nest she may lay 400 to over 9,000 eggs. The female is then chased away and the male stands guard over the incubating eggs. After hatching, fry feed on invertebrates and switch to piscivory as they grow older. Very young fish and older adults tend to include more invertebrates in their diet than do largemouth bass. Juveniles and younger adults tend to include more fish in their diets than do largemouth bass.

Distribution

The Guadalupe bass is found only in Texas and has been named the official state fish. It is endemic to the northern and eastern Edwards Plateau including headwaters of the San Antonio River, the Guadalupe River above Gonzales, the Colorado River north of Austin, and portions of the Brazos River drainage. Relatively small populations can also be found outside of the Edwards Plateau, primarily in the lower Colorado River. Introduced populations exist in the Nueces River system. Typically, Guadalupe bass are found in flowing water, whereas largemouth bass are found in quiet water.

House Concurrent Resolution No. 61, 71st Legislature, Regular Session (1989)

H.C.R. No. 61

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The State of Texas has traditionally recognized certain natural life forms indigenous to the state as official state symbols; and

WHEREAS, The pecan tree, the bluebonnet, and the mockingbird are examples of some natural specimens that already symbolize the great beauty and diversity of our vast state; and

WHEREAS, In keeping with this custom, the designation of the Guadalupe bass as the state fish of Texas will provide suitable recognition of the aquatic life that inhabits the lovely freshwater areas of our state; and

WHEREAS, The Guadalupe bass is found only in Texas, inhabiting the clear, fast-running streams and small rivers of the central part of the state; and

WHEREAS, A member of the genus Micropterus within the sunfish family, the Guadalupe bass is one of a group of fish collectively known as black bass; and

WHEREAS, Though its small size prevents it being highly sought as a sport fish, the sheer abundance of the Guadalupe bass is a living testament to the sparkling purity of our state's freshwater tributaries; and

WHEREAS, The Guadalupe bass is unique to Texas and will be a fitting addition to the distinguished roster of official state symbols; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 71st Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate the Guadalupe bass as the state fish of Texas.

Williamson
Arnold
Yost
Mowery

Approved May 10, 1989, Filed with the Secretary of State, May 22, 1989.