Reference Guide > Montana Fish Field Guide > Sunfishes > Rock Bass
Rock Bass - Ambloplites rupestris
Exotic Species (not native to Montana)
Global Rank: G5
State Rank: SNA
Agency Status
USFWS: none
USFS: none
BLM: none
CFWCS Tier: 4
General Description
The rock bass is a stout little sunfish with a red eye. They were introduced in Wyoming and found their way downstream in the Tongue River drainage of southeastern Montana, which is presently their only known locale. Montana is apparently too cold for these 6-8 inch sunfish to thrive, and they are of little importance in this state although they are popular panfish elsewhere. All of the sunfishes are important forage fish for northern pike, walleye, and bass.
Diagnostic Characteristics
Body robust.
Distribution
Montana Range
Migration
Studies on Tongue River showed migration movements into Otter Creek late May - early June. Probably related to spawning.
Habitat
Pools of rocky-bottomed streams; rocky shallow areas of lakes. Seeks moderately warm water. In Montana, found only in Tongue River Drainage.
Food Habits
Eats many kinds of aquatic insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and small fishes.
Ecology
Do not commonly exeed half a pound in north waters. Montana waters are marginal for this species.
Reproductive Characteristics
Sexually mature at 2 - 3 years. Spawns May - June in slow current over gravel bed. Eggs and fry defended vigorously.
Citations & Sources
Holton, G. D. 2003. A field guide to Montana fishes. Mont. Dept. Fish, Wildl. Parks, 95 pp.
Citation for data on this website:
Rock Bass — Ambloplites rupestris. Montana Field Guide. Retrieved on February 2, 2009, from http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/detail_AFCQB06040.aspx
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