Redeye Bass (Common Fish Species of Richmond National Battlefield)

Redeye Bass

Ambloplites rupestris

Summary ⁴

The rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris, Ambloplites constellatus), also known as the rock perch, goggle-eye, or red eye, is a species of freshwater fish in the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of order Perciformes. They are similar in appearance to smallmouth bass, but are usually quite a bit smaller. The average rock bass is between 6 and 10 in, and they rarely weigh over a pound. Rock bass are native to the St Lawrence River and Great Lakes system,...

Biology ⁵

Adults inhabit vegetated and brushy stream margins and pools of creeks and small to medium rivers, and rocky and vegetated margins of lakes (Ref. 5723). Most commonly found in clear, silt-free rocky streams (Ref. 5723). They feed on small crustaceans, insects and fish (Ref. 30578). An introduced species in Europe which avoids swift waters and occurs in a wide variety of slow-flowing to stagnant waters such as large rivers, lakes, ponds, canals and backwaters (Ref. 59043).