Originally from Alabama and Georgia, Alabama bass (Micropetrus henshalli) have been introduced in lakes and rivers of Virginia and North Carolina.
Alabama bass are often confused with spotted bass, which are similar in size and appearance. The two species are sometimes found together and are known to produce hybrids.
In Mid Atlantic states, invasive Alabama bass that can harm existing largemouth and smallmouth bass populations by outcompeting and reduced overall size of bass due to hybridization.
Alabama bass have been found in numerous waterways in the Mid Atlantic region, including Lake Gaston, Claytor Lake, Buggs Island Lake, Martinsville Reservoir, Diascund Reservoir, James River, New River (below Claytor Lake), and Chickahominy River.
Alabama Bass vs. Largemouth Bass
- The jaw of Alabama bass lines up with the middle rear of the eye.
- The jaw of largemouth bass extends past the eye.
- Alabama bass has a tooth patch on tongue.
- Alabama bass has a dark, blotchy lateral band from head to tail.
- Alabama bass has well-defined rows of spots below the lateral band.
- Largemouth bass has a blotchy band from head to tail, but usually is not as dark.