Can you tell the difference between a largemouth bass and a smallmouth bass? Look at these two fish carefully. The lower edge of the top part of the mouth is called the maxillary bone. In largemouth bass, the posterior edge of the maxillary bone reaches a point at least equal to if not beyond the posterior edge of the eye. In smallmouth bass the maxillary bone extends to about the center of the eye. (underwater photos by Jean-Marc Filion) |
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