The Temperate Bass of South Carolina

The following characteristics may be used in identifying species:

White Perch

Average adult size 8 ounces

  1. Dorsal fins joined by a membrane
  2. No tooth patches on tongue
  3. Body deepest in front of 1st dorsal fin
  4. No stripes present or only faintly striped on lower body only
  5. 2nd spine almost equal the length of 3rd spine

White perch diagram Dorsal fins joined by a membrane No tooth patches on tongue Body deepest in front of 1st dorsal fin No stripes present or only faintly striped on lower body only 2nd spine almost equal the length of 3rd spine

White Bass

Average adult size seldom exceeds 3 pounds

  1. Dorsal fins not joined
  2. Back of tongue has 1 tooth patch
  3. Body deep, more than 1/3 length
  4. Stripes faint, only 1 extends to tail
  5. 2nd spine 2/3 or more the length of 3rd spine

White Bass Dorsal fins not joined Back of tongue has 1 tooth patch Body deep, more than 1/3 length Stripes faint, only 1 extends to tail 2nd spine 2/3 or more the length of 3rd spine

Striped Bass

Adult fish 20 pounds not uncommon

  1. Dorsal fins not joined
  2. Back of tongue has 2 distinct tooth patches
  3. Body slender, less than 1/3 length
  4. Stripes distinct, several extend to tail
  5. 2nd spine 1/2 the length of 3rd spine

Striped Bass

Hybrid Bass

Average adult size seldom exceeds 10 pounds

  1. Dorsal fins not joined
  2. Back of tongue has 2 distinct tooth patches
  3. Body deep, more than 1/3 length
  4. Stripes distinct, usually broken, several extend to tail
  5. 2nd spine 2/3 or more the length of 3rd spine

White Bass

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