White bass

Morone chrysops

Also known as: Sand bass, Silver bass, Barfish

Plan a system with White bass

Quick facts

Adult size: 35 cm, 1200 g typical harvest weight
Days to harvest: 365 to 540 days from fingerling
Lifespan (max): up to 10 years
Diet: carnivore
Temperature class: warm-water
Difficulty: intermediate

Water parameters

Temperature range: 5–30°C (optimum 24°C)
pH: 6.5 to 9
Hardness: 5 to 25 dGH
Minimum tank: 800 L per individual at harvest size

Feed and growth

Feed protein: 40% target
Daily feed (warm water): 2.00% of body weight per day
Daily feed (cool water): 0.80% of body weight per day
Max stocking density: 30 g per litre of system water

A 1200g adult eats about 24.0 g of feed per day at optimum temperature. For a roster of 10 fish at adult size, that's around 240 g of feed daily.

Habitat and origin

Native to large rivers, reservoirs, and lakes across central North America, from the Great Lakes south through the Mississippi and Ohio River basins to the Gulf Coast. The species (Morone chrysops) is the smaller parent in the hybrid striped bass cross (white bass male x striped bass female = sunshine bass). Adults reach 30–45 cm and 0.5–2 kg. White bass are schooling predators found in open water, where they feed on shad, minnows, and invertebrates. The flesh is white but softer and less premium than striped bass, with a stronger flavor that some find less desirable. White bass are popular sport fish across the Midwest and southern US but have limited commercial market value compared to striped bass or the hybrid.

Climate and outdoor ponds

Climate classification: temperate (handles seasonal swings)
Outdoor pond zones (USDA): 4 to 10 (winter low around -34°C or warmer)
Heating in a temperate climate: Not required (handles seasonal cool periods)
Cooling in a temperate climate: Not required

Zone bounds reflect year-round outdoor pond viability with no active heating. Anywhere outside the bounded zone, the species can still be kept in an indoor heated tank or a seasonally-managed system. Verify your specific microclimate, as a sheltered yard zone can run a half-zone warmer than the regional rating.

Care notes

A warm-water Morone species with limited direct aquaponics value as a standalone food fish; included primarily because it's the paternal parent of the commercially important hybrid striped bass (white bass male x striped bass female = sunshine bass). Optimal temperature is 22–28°C, with tolerance from 5–30°C. The broader warm-water tolerance compared to striped bass (which stresses above 26°C) is the trait the hybrid inherits. Growth: 300–600 g in 12-18 months on pellet (38-42% protein). FCR is approximately 1.8-2.5. White bass accept pelleted feed more readily than striped bass and are generally easier to culture in intensive conditions, but the smaller maximum size and less desirable flesh quality (softer texture, stronger flavor) compared to the hybrid or pure striped bass make them a poor standalone choice for aquaponics production. The flesh has a prominent red lateral line muscle (bloodline) that must be trimmed for best flavor; this is a common complaint from consumers. For aquaponics, the hybrid striped bass is superior in every production metric: larger adult size, better flesh quality, better FCR, and higher market value. White bass culture exists primarily at hatcheries that maintain male broodstock for hybrid production crosses. Fingerlings are available from state hatcheries that manage white bass populations. Legal in most states without special permits. Not recommended as a primary aquaponics species.