What causes this color in larger (3 lb) small mouth bass?

[GoldCup]

 

[Kbass]

Freezer burn. Ha ha

 

[RandyAustinFishing]

Cool, birthmark. Haven't seen it too much at Powell but other lakes have it a lot. Google says Melanosis. Maybe Wayne will further educate us.

 

[SKEETER]

Obviously missed that area with the sunscreen... really need to pay close attention when applying -

 

[RandyAustinFishing]

I don't think it is Melanoma.

 

[GoldCup]

I caught 3 that size and they only had that mark on their right side. Help me out here. Down the back and only on the right side like this.

 

[Squirrel]

Faulty waterproof sunscreen? Sq

 

[Yos]

PETA had issues with tagging fish. Now Wayne and other biologists must tattoo each fish before releasing.

 

[flowerbug]

perhaps camoflauge? dark side facing out or in may provide a matching background against predation.

it would be selected for if it is effective.

similar to how birds have darker on top and lighter on the bottom.

just guessing...

 

[Flipper]

Looks like a fish that died in a live well or a cooler. The dark spot is where it was laying against a piece of ice or another fish. Fish caught in really murky water will be paler like this fish, less the dark spot?

 

[Wet1]

Looks like a fish that died in a live well or a cooler. The dark spot is where it was laying against a piece of ice or another fish. Fish caught in really murky water will be paler like this fish, less the dark spot?

I think he said the fish was killed immediately before the picture and that he caught 3 that had a similar black spot. I have also seen this occasionally on smallmouth in Idaho.

 

[birdsnest]

Doin the wild thang with carp.

 

[Big_BobberII]

Melanosis (Black Spot, Blotchy Bass)

huntfish.mdc.mo.gov

not harmful melanosis

 

[GoldCup]

PETA had issues with tagging fish. Now Wayne and other biologists must tattoo each fish before releasing.

Hp

Melanosis (Black Spot, Blotchy Bass)

huntfish.mdc.mo.gov

not harmful melanosis
View attachment 8193

Thank you big guy, others were beginning to think I was crazy.
Now any idea why only one side. In this case all were on the right?
Again thank you so much. Cup

 

[lakepowellnut]

I suggest not fishing for bass at Lake Powell next week so I can have all the fun.

For me, Melanosis is something I’ve seen occasionally, but nothing to be afraid of.

 

[Big_BobberII]

Well, lots out there on the internet on this subject. It is still being studied.
Pollution
Genetics
Hormones
Catch and Release handling
Water temperature
Since Lake Powell is relatively unpolluted compared to waters in the east I would guess that is not the issue here.
The blotches do change with time. Literature on the internet on this subject spans all the way back to 1986.
Here's a link to some undergraduate research that is from 2019

(PDF) Surface area of 'blotchy bass' spots change over time in smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomeiu Lacepede, 1802)

PDF | Blotchy bass syndrome is the occurrence of black ink-like spots on the skin of Micropterus species. The cause is unknown but some reports from... | Find, read and cite all the research you need on ResearchGate

www.researchgate.net

 

[GoldCup]

Wow! I've been in the Witness Protection Program but I never thought I would be a part of science research
. Kidding aside, we have some very smart people on this board,. Professional, knowledgeable with many resources and willing to share. Thanks

 

[wayne gustaveson]

Thanks for bringing it up. I have never seen a Splotchy bass. I appreciate those that looked it up on the internet and then shared it here. Now, when I do see a splotchy fish I will know what caused it. Thanks

 

[GoldCup]

Melanosis (Black Spot, Blotchy Bass)

huntfish.mdc.mo.gov

not harmful melanosis
View attachment 8193

Thank you. Your research and facts is much admired. Better than most all of our elected officials.

 

[RandyAustinFishing]

Pretty cool looking smallie.