The Shoal Bass is a species of freshwater fish in the Sunfish family. Shoal Bass are generally olive green to nearly black along the back. Three diagonal black lines radiate along the side of the head and they have 10-15 vertical blotches that appear along the sides with tiger-stripes often appearing in between. The Shoal Bass has scales on the base portion of the soft-rayed dorsal fins and an upper jawbone that does not extend beyond the eyes. Due to the red color of the eyes, this bass is sometimes confused with the Redeye bass and the Suwannee bass. The Shoal Bass is closely associated with rock shoals and are uncommon in other habitats due to its unique spawning requirements.

Exhibit: Flint River Gallery