| Invasive fish could eradicate Tennessee bass species | |
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An invasive species of bass has been detected in Tennessee waterways, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) told News Channel 11 that it could be detrimental to the state’s native species.
TWRA Fishery Biologist John Hammonds said the Alabama Bass does have a small natural habitat in Southeast Tennessee near Chattanooga, where they have existed for eons. However, Hammonds said due to anglers relocating them, the species has appeared in new lakes, rivers and reservoirs where it is considered invasive. |
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If you haven’t noticed them, that’s because the Alabama Bass is strikingly similar in appearance to one of Tennessee’s native fish.
“The Alabama Bass is very similar to our spotted bass,” Hammonds said. “The only way you can tell them apart just by looking at them… well, there really is no way to tell them apart just by looking at them.”
Hammonds said the only way to truly tell the two fish apart is by genetic analysis. |
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