Largemouth bass can be kept in captivity, and are quite hardy if given proper conditions. The main challenge is providing enough space for them... they really can grow to be quite large, and can be surprisingly active... nothing short of three hundred gallons is appropriate to house one for life, IMO... like all sunfish, they can also be somewhat hostile towards their roommates, and of course, they will try to eat anything that fits in the their mouth... and even some things that don't. It's not uncommon for them to choke to death on fish that are just a little too large to swallow.
I've also heard that it can be difficult to get them off live prey. In the wild, they feed mainly on smaller fish and crayfish, but will eat all manner of small animals that are found in and around the water. They have big appetites, so it's obviously better if they will take a wide variety of prey rather than refusing all but live fish. I think a diet of whole fish, market prawns, earthworms, high quality processed food, and possibly some beefheart or chicken liver or something every so often.
As Oddball said, expect a pretty wicked growth rate. Bass grow quite quickly, and they don't stay small for very long. They have to grow quickly... bass are highly cannibalistic, so they're always on the menu in the wild.
They're very intelligent, and quite interesting aquarium specimens for those who like predatory fish. However, their large size and hefty food bill probably makes them best left to dedicated, experienced keepers. If you're up for the challenge, go for it. But be ready to provide them a huge enclosure within the next two years.
I've also heard that it can be difficult to get them off live prey. In the wild, they feed mainly on smaller fish and crayfish, but will eat all manner of small animals that are found in and around the water. They have big appetites, so it's obviously better if they will take a wide variety of prey rather than refusing all but live fish. I think a diet of whole fish, market prawns, earthworms, high quality processed food, and possibly some beefheart or chicken liver or something every so often.
As Oddball said, expect a pretty wicked growth rate. Bass grow quite quickly, and they don't stay small for very long. They have to grow quickly... bass are highly cannibalistic, so they're always on the menu in the wild.
They're very intelligent, and quite interesting aquarium specimens for those who like predatory fish. However, their large size and hefty food bill probably makes them best left to dedicated, experienced keepers. If you're up for the challenge, go for it. But be ready to provide them a huge enclosure within the next two years.
