Family:
- White bass: White bass belong to the family Moronidae, which also includes striped bass and temperate basses.
- Black bass: Black bass belong to the family Centrarchidae, which includes sunfish, crappie, and several species of bass.
Appearance:
- White bass: White bass have a silvery-white body with dark stripes along their sides. They typically have a forked tail and a prominent humpback when adult.
- Black bass: Black bass come in different species, such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass. They have various color patterns, with dark green or brown bodies, and may have spots, stripes, or splotches.
Size:
- White bass: White bass are generally smaller than black bass. On average, they range from 12 to 16 inches in length and can weigh up to a few pounds.
- Black bass: Black bass can vary in size depending on the species. Largemouth bass can reach up to 2 feet in length and weigh up to 15 pounds, while smallmouth and spotted bass are generally smaller.
Habitat:
- White bass: White bass are found in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. They prefer clear waters and tend to stay in mid-depth areas or near surface structure like vegetation or fallen trees.
- Black bass: Black bass are also found in lakes, rivers, and ponds. Largemouth bass prefer warm, weedy waters, while smallmouth bass prefer cooler, rocky habitats. Spotted bass are more adaptable and can be found in a variety of aquatic environments.
Behavior:
- White bass: White bass are schooling fish and often form large groups. They are known to be aggressive feeders and will readily take lures or baits.
- Black bass: Black bass are generally solitary fish, except during spawning season. They are also aggressive predators but may be more selective in their feeding habits.
Value to anglers:
- White bass: White bass are popular sport fish due to their abundance and willingness to bite. They are often targeted by anglers using live bait, spinners, or crankbaits.
- Black bass: Black bass are highly prized game fish and are sought after by anglers for their fighting ability and challenging nature. They are commonly caught using a variety of techniques like bass fishing lures and live bait.