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DNA reveals two new bass species hidden in plain sight

Two “new” bass species have been hiding in plain sight for decades—but they may already be in danger.

Date:

March 23, 2026

Source:

University of Georgia

Summary:

Two new species of black bass have been officially identified after decades of confusion with similar fish. Bartram’s bass and Altamaha bass stand out not just in appearance, but in their DNA, revealed through detailed genetic analysis of hundreds of specimens. Scientists say this breakthrough helps preserve a record of these species as habitat changes and hybridization threaten their future. What was once overlooked could soon be at risk of vanishing.

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The Bartram bass is one of two new species of black bass documented by UGA researchers. Credit: Special

University of Georgia researchers have identified and formally described two previously unrecognized species of black bass, known as Bartram's bass and Altamaha bass, in a recently published study.

Although the species are only now being officially classified, they have been seen before. Ecologist Bud Freeman first came across Micropterus pucpuggy, now called Bartram's bass, back in the 1980s. While visiting the Broad River, a couple showed him an unusual fish they had caught and placed in a cooler. Freeman immediately realized it was something different and offered them $5 to take it. They declined, saying, "No, man. We're taking it home and eating it."

"That would have been an important specimen," said Freeman, lead author of the study and a senior public service associate emeritus at the UGA Odum School of Ecology.

Over the following decades, Freeman and his team gathered samples from across the region. Bartram's bass were collected from 14 sites within the Savannah and Saluda River basins, while Altamaha bass were sampled from 14 locations in the Altamaha and Ogeechee River systems.

Distinct Physical Traits and DNA Evidence

Both species were once grouped together with redeye bass, but closer examination revealed clear differences in appearance. Bartram's bass display a light golden color with dark brown blotches along their sides, a mottled belly, and fins with a rosy tint. They also have an oval tooth patch and striking red eyes with a black pupil bordered by a thin gold ring. These fish can reach lengths of up to 15 inches.

Altamaha bass, or Micropterus calliurus, also have golden scales but with olive edging and darker side markings. Their fins are accented with orange, and they possess a smaller oval tooth patch. Like Bartram's bass, they have red eyes with a gold ring around the pupil, and they can grow to about 14 inches long.

Beyond visible traits, the research team conducted detailed genetic analyses to confirm the species' identities.

"It used to be that you'd have to go out and catch the fish, bring it in, count the scales, measure the tail, measure this and that, write a description, and you're done," said Mary Freeman, co-author of the study and adjunct faculty at the Odum School. "Now there is also genetic characterization. In this case, there's genetic characterization of every single individual used to describe that fish to prevent including hybrid specimens."

To ensure accuracy, scientists analyzed mitochondrial DNA and used advanced bioinformatics tools to compare small segments of nuclear DNA. The study references more than 100 specimens used to define the two new species, while the broader dataset includes 570 fish spanning multiple bass species such as smallmouth, largemouth, northern spotted, shoal, Tallapoosa, redeye, and Alabama bass.

"You're laying the baseline for the future," said Mary Freeman. "Hybridization may result in Bartram's bass not existing as it has existed, but we'll know what it was."

Habitat Changes and Hybridization Risks

Bartram's and Altamaha bass are native to flowing river systems, where they typically inhabit pools and fast-moving areas near rocky shoals. However, these environments have been significantly altered over time due to sediment buildup and the construction of dams, which fragment waterways.

The introduction of other Micropterus species outside their native ranges has increased the risk of hybridization. This mixing of species could threaten the genetic integrity and long-term survival of these newly recognized bass.

"These evolutionarily distinct lineages are important to name," said Bud Freeman. "In recognizing these species, we recognize how quickly they are becoming lost as extrinsic barriers are breached by human activities."

Origins of the Names and Scientific Publication

Freeman first proposed the name Bartram's bass in the 1990s. The scientific name M. pucpuggy honors the Seminole-Creek people of Florida, whose chief gave William Bartram the name "Puc Puggy," meaning "Flower Hunter." During his travels from 1773 to 1776, Bartram explored region