Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Temperate Basses (Moronidae)

Temperate basses silhouette.

The temperate basses are a small family of marine, anadromous and freshwater fishes, with most species native to North America and two occurring in marine waters of Europe and northern Africa. All North American members of the family are important gamefish, and some support significant commercial fisheries. Temperate basses have 2 unconnected or only slightly connected dorsal fins (1 spiny, 1 soft) and 1-2 small spines on the edge of the opercle. There are 3 anal spines. The pelvic fins are thoracic and have 1 spine and 5 rays. Two native species occur in Connecticut. 

Click on the species' names below to learn more.

Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) - Native

Striped bass.

 

White Perch (Morone americana) - Native

22 cm white perch.

 

Members of this family can be kept in home aquariums with varying success. They tend to be non-aggressive and need mostly live or fresh food. See details under “Habits” for each species.

 

Text and images adapted from Jacobs, R. P., O'Donnell, E. B., and Connecticut DEEP. (2009). A Pictorial Guide to Freshwater Fishes of Connecticut. Hartford, CT. Available for purchase at the DEEP Store.