The rock bass is a popular North American sunfish gaining popularity in home aquariums. They exhibit interesting behaviors and bring personality to community tanks. Read on to learn proper care for rock bass.
Introducing the Freshwater Rock Bass
Freshwater Rock Bass General Info
- Origin: Lakes, ponds, and rivers of North America
- Size: 6-10 inches in captivity
- Lifespan: 10 years or longer with proper care
- Temperament: Mildly aggressive, best in species only tanks
- Appearance: Deep brassy green, red eyes, white underside, dark blotches
- Varieties: No major varieties, relatively uniform
- Price Range: $5 – $15 per fish
Habitat and Tank Requirements
- Natural Habitat: Freshwaters across much of the U.S. and Canada
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallon or larger
- Water Parameters: 62-75°F, pH 6.5-8.0, soft to hard water
- Tank Setup: Sandy substrate, rocks and driftwood, moderate current
Freshwater Rock Bass Diet
- Diet: Carnivore that eats insects, smaller fish, and crustaceans in the wild
- Feed 2-3 times daily a mix of live, frozen, and prepared foods
Foods:
- Live blackworms, crickets, ghost shrimp
- Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, glassworms
- Sinking carnivore pellets
- Occasional treats like freeze dried krill
Breeding Freshwater Rock Bass
- Nest builders, guard eggs and young for a brief period
- Trigger spawning by slowly raising tank temperature in the spring
- Rearing tank required to prevent parents from eating young
Common Freshwater Rock Bass Health Issues
- Susceptible to ich and velvet if introduced without quarantine
- Aggression toward tankmates, especially during spawning
- Overfeeding can cause bloating and constipation
- Use quarantine, target feed, maintain excellent water quality
Tank Considerations and Compatibility
- Can be kept with other similar sized sunfish and basses
- Avoid small, slow moving fish they may predate
- Require larger tank with plenty of broken sightlines and hiding spots
- Check local regulations, some restrictions in certain areas
Suitable Freshwater Rock Bass Tank Mates
- Other sunfish
- Largemouth bass
- Rainbow trout
- Bullhead catfish
- Some livebearers
Identifying Male vs Female Rock Bass
- Males are smaller in size, more brightly colored
- Males have bright red bellies during spawning period
- Females larger and plainer in coloration
Species Count:
Just one, Ambloplites rupestris
Enhancing Color:
Varied diet with crustaceans and insects. Excellent water quality.
Maximum Size:
Up to 10 inches in home aquariums.
Growth Rate:
Grow to full size within 2-3 years. Relatively quick growing.
Average Lifespan:
Approximately 10 years or longer with proper care.
Care Tips:
Larger tank, meaty foods, hides, compatible tank mates, maintain water quality.
Best Foods:
Live blackworms, frozen brine shrimp, Omega One pellets.
Good Pets?
Moderate – require some experience and proper setup. Interesting behaviors.
Preventing Death:
Use quarantine, maintain pristine water conditions, offer nutritious foods.
Aggression Level:
Mildly aggressive, best in species only tanks.
Will They Kill Other Fish?
May prey on very small tank mates, not typically lethal though.
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