The Difference Between Small Mouth and Large Mouth Bass

The Difference Between Small Mouth and Large Mouth Bass

There are millions of species of fish in lakes, rivers and oceans all across the globe.  Throughout history man has been relying on fish as a big part of their diets, fish are delicious and incredibly good for you.  Today we don’t have to rely on our ability to fish as a method of feeding our families, rather it is a sport that people enjoy throughout the season.

One of the most common species of fish that are caught for sport are bass, both the large-mouth and small-mouth varieties.  Bass are found just about everywhere, both in fresh and salt waters and they make great sport but many people wonder the difference between the two types.  Let’s have a look at the two different types.

You must be thinking that what is to discuss so much as the name is evident enough that a large-mouth bass would have a large mouth whereas a small-mouth bass fish would have a small-mouth?

While both the small-mouth and the large-mouth basses belong to the sunfish category, there are remarkable differences among these two. Let us understand the details so that we know our fishes more elaborately.

Difference between small-mouth bass and large-mouth bass

No. of scales

Simply count the number of scales on your fish’s cheeks to confirm whether it’s a small mouth or a large mouth bass. A small bass will have 17 rows of scale on its cheeks whereas the large one will have around 10 rows of scales.

Also, the stripes would be horizontal on a largemouth whereas the small one would have vertical lines.

Check the distance the fish’s mouth covers with respect to its eyes

Another remarkable difference is that to check how far the mouth of the fish goes when seen with respect to its eyes. A large-mouth bass’s eyes would go far beyond its eyes whereas the small mouth fish’s mouth will go only up to the medium point of its eye.

Difference in the dorsal fins

Another great way to differentiate between the two would be to check their dorsal fins. While the small-mouth bass’s dorsal fins aren’t divided, the large-mouth bass’s exhibits two clear separate fins.

Experts who understand and know their fishes deeply can immediately check these basic differences and know which one is a small-mouth bass and which one is a large-mouth bass. Now, that you know the required points, you too can say the difference with full expertise and like a pro.