The largemouth bass is a high-quality freshwater aquaculture fish native to North America

The largemouth bass, also known as the California bass, has the scientific name Micropterus salmoides. It is native to the freshwater waters of North America and was introduced to China early on via the US state of California, hence the common name California bass. It is a carnivorous fish that in the natural environment mainly preys on small fish, small shrimp and aquatic insects, and today it is one of China's important freshwater aquaculture species.

This fish has a laterally compressed, spindle-shaped body, a bluish-black back, and an irregular black longitudinal band along its flank, giving it a highly recognizable appearance. It grows relatively quickly and tolerates a fairly wide range of water temperatures, but its ability to withstand low oxygen levels is relatively limited, so water quality must be kept fresh and dissolved oxygen sufficient during farming.

For artificial farming of largemouth bass, ponds with convenient water inlet and drainage and an ample water source are mostly chosen, and after domestication the fry can feed on artificial compound feed. During farming, stocking density must be reasonably controlled, water conditioning and bottom improvement must be carried out regularly, and disease prevention work must be done well. Common problems are mostly related to bacterial and viral infections, and if abnormalities in the fish are found, a professional should be invited to diagnose and handle the matter promptly.

Largemouth bass has tender flesh with few intermuscular bones, a relatively high protein content and moderate fat; steaming best brings out its fresh flavor, and it can also be braised or made into soup. It looks somewhat similar to the mandarin fish, but the two differ clearly in body shape, body color and markings, and in farming methods, and a little attention when purchasing is enough to tell them apart.