# Morphological Analysis of a New Species of Micropterus (Teleostei: Centrarchidae) from Lake Erie, PA, USA

## TL;DR

A new species of Black Bass was discovered in Lake Erie, distinguished by unique physical traits like a tri-colored tail and bold lines.

## Contribution

The discovery and description of a previously unknown species of Micropterus from Lake Erie.

## Key findings

- The new species is distinguished by a tri-colored tail in juveniles.
- Bold parallel lines and scale patterns in the dorsal fin differentiate it from M. nigricans.
- Its large mouth extending past the eye sets it apart from M. punctulatus.

## Abstract

A new species of Micropterus (Black Basses) is described from Lake Erie. This species was historically thought to be the Largemouth Bass, Micropterus nigricans. It is distinguished from previously described Micropterus spp. by morphological characters.

This previously undescribed species of Micropterus is described from collections in Lake Erie. The species was first recognized by the tri-colored tail of juveniles. This tri-colored tail, the presence of bold parallel lines ventral to the lateral band, and scales in the inter-radial membranes of the dorsal fin distinguish it from Micropterus nigricans. The large mouth that extends past the eye distinguishes it from Micropterus punctulatus.