Ambloplites constellatus
Ambloplites constellatus
(Ozark Bass)
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Native Transplant
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Ambloplites constellatus Cashner and Suttkus, 1977
Common name: Ozark Bass
Synonyms and Other Names: Formerly considered to be A. rupestris.
Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

Identification: Robison and Buchanan (1988); Page and Burr (1991).  Prior to its description in 1977 by Cashner and Suttkus, this species was not distinguished from the rock bass A. rupestris.
Size: Maximum size: 19 cm.
Native Range: Upper White River drainage in Arkansas and Missouri (Cashner and Suttkus 1977; Robison and Buchanan 1988; Page and Burr 1991).
Native range data for this species provided in part by NatureServe NS logo
Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Nonindigenous Occurrences: This species has been widely introduced into nonnative drainages in Arkansas and possibly into the Osage drainage in Missouri (Cashner and Suttkus 1977; Lee et al. 1980 et seq.; Robison and Buchanan 1988; Page and Burr 1991; Pflieger 1997). The only area specifically mentioned as being stocked in the above mentioned areas is the Illinois drainage in northwestern Arkansas (Robison and Buchanan 1988). Cashner and Suttkus (1977) reported the two known records from the Osage River in Missouri likely represent introductions (three specimens from two locations). Cross et al. (1986) listed the lower Missouri River drainage (= Osage) as an area where this species was introduced.

Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Ambloplites constellatus are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
AR19771977*
MO194419771Sac

Table last updated 3/28/2025

† Populations may not be currently present.

* HUCs are not listed for states where the observation(s) cannot be approximated to a HUC (e.g. state centroids or Canadian provinces).
Means of Introduction: Intentionally stocked for sport. Distributed by the Arkansas state fish hatchery at Centerton before it was determined to be a separate species from A. rupestris (Cashner and Suttkus 1977; Robison and Buchanan 1988). Stock from this species native range was also used in stocking drainages around Missouri (Cashner and Suttkus 1977).
Status: There is no evidence of established populations in nonnative areas (Page and Burr 1991).  The two records from the Osage are decades old with none reported since.
Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.
Remarks: This species does not appear to hybridize with A. rupestris or with other adjacent populations of Ambloplites (Cashner and Suttkus 1977; Lee et al. 1980 et seq.).
Other Resources:
Cashner, R.C., and R.D. Suttkus. Ambloplites constellatus, a new species of rock bass from the Ozark upland of Arkansas and Missouri with a review of western rock bass populations. American Midland Naturalist 98(1):147-161.

Cross, F.B., R.L. Mayden, and J.D. Stewart. Fishes in the western Mississippi basin (Missouri, Arkansas and Red Rivers). 363-412 in C.H. Hocutt and E.O. Wiley, eds. The zoogeography of North American freshwater fishes. John Wiley and Sons, New York, NY.

Lee, D.S., C.R. Gilbert, C.H. Hocutt, R.E. Jenkins, D.E. McAllister, and J.R. Stauffer, Jr. 1980. Atlas of North American freshwater fishes. North Carolina State Museum of Natural History, Raleigh, NC.

Page, L.M. and B.M. Burr. 1991. A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. The Peterson Guide Series, vol. 42. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA.

Pflieger, W. 1997. The fishes of Missouri. Missouri Department of Environmental Conservation, Jefferson City, MO.

Robison, H.W., and T.M. Buchanan. 1998. Fishes of Arkansas. University of Arkansas Press, Fayetteville, AR.

FishBase Summary
Author: Fuller, P.
Revision Date: 4/30/2018
Peer Review Date: 10/3/2011

Citation Information:
Fuller, P., 2025, Ambloplites constellatus Cashner and Suttkus, 1977: U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=372, Revision Date: 4/30/2018, Peer Review Date: 10/3/2011, Access Date: 3/28/2025

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.

Disclaimer:

The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data.

Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. [2025]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [3/28/2025].

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Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.



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