Overview
Unfortunately, the hybrids and smallmouths outcompeted the native bass, causing massive population declines. In some rivers, such as the Blanco, which drains into the Guadalupe, the native fish disappeared altogether. Starting in 1992, TPWD began stocking pure-strain Guadalupe bass, and is working with landowners and fly fishermen to widen the program throughout the Hill Country.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Cypriniformes
- Family
- Centrarchidae
- Genus
- Micropterus
- Species
- trecuil x M. dolomieu
Habitat
This species prefers clear, fast-flowing streams and flowing pools with gravel-rubble bottom. In typical stream, species inhabits the middle section with cool water, rocky bottom, and good gradient with large pools between riffles. Found at summer water temperatures of 68^ F (19.5-21.7°C), with an apparent preference of 70°F; during winter, fish seek out areas of rock or rubble to serve as protection from higher current flow; individuals usually become inactive at temperatures below 50-60°F.
Diet
They feed mainly on small crustaceans (especially copepods), aquatic insects, and smaller fish.
Behavior
Guadalupe smallmouth bass are typically solitary and territorial, often establishing home ranges in rocky stream sections to defend against intruders. They are most active during dawn and dusk, using ambush tactics to hunt prey in flowing waters. These fish exhibit aggressive behavior when protecting their territory or during spawning seasons.
Fishing
See Guadalupe Bass
Conservation Status
Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN.