Here is profile number 2.
Name: Rock Bass
Scientific Name: Ambloplites rupestris
Temperament: Aggressive (well behaved around similar sized tank mates for the most part)
Max Size: 8-10" (12" possible but not likely)
Tank Size: 75 Gallons
Origin: Wild Caught, mainly from creeks
Experience: Moderate
Temperature: 62-75 F is preferred (they can go quite a bit colder and a tiny bit warmer)
ph: 6.8-8.0
Feeding: Feeders are greatly appreciated, nightcrawlers, redworms, some may eat pellet but it would take time.
Tank mates: Lepomis Sunfish, black bass, larger yellow perch, walleye, larger Ictalurids, most larger natives. Some cichlids may work as tankmates as well. Avoid minnows, dace, tetras, etc as they will be eaten.
Behavior: Fairly well behaved with other fish of the same or similar size. An ambush predator by nature, they will without a doubt eat any and all tankmates that they can catch and will fit in their mouth. Not the most personable fish, they may hide the majority of the day but some can be very owner responsive if tame enough.
{snipped the pics} ...
My experience with the 2 I have is VERY different so I can't agree with Temperament, Tank Mates & Behavior (ambush predator is accurate though). Those 2 do
NOT get along with each other in a 75 gal tank much less with anything else. They terrorized my Bluegills that were twice their size when they were kept together (since moved). None of the Bluegills were allowed in the bottom half of the tank. Sometimes not even at the top. The Rock Bass were just to quick to see them coming so scared the Gills which would immediately flee resulting in being chased & nipped at. If they didn't flee then
sometimes the Rock Bass would leave them alone or would continually flare at them until they moved slowly away.
During the day the Gills sometimes
MIGHT go to the bottom since my really mean Rock Bass rarely comes out in daylight, but as soon as the lights went out up they came to the top. The only time my really mean Rock Bass wasn't mean was when my male Bluegill started spawning ... then, even he knew to keep his distance & stay incognito. Although they did fight once. Looked like a fish tornado.
This was in a moderately planted tank with multiple caves & hiding spots. The one very, very aggressive Rock Bass claimed every hidey hole whether he used it not & the whole bottom. Had to put him into a tank by himself. And the other one in another tank by himself.
I just recently got another 75 gal & put the 2 Rock Bass together in that tank. Put the less mean one in first to get used to the layout & stake his claim but all that did was get him beat up when I moved mean fish there. It's a heavily planted tank with lots of cover & 3 caves. Still trying to see if this is going to work out but not looking good as the mean fish still wants every hiding spot & the whole bottom of the tank. He just can't seem to tolerate any other fish. I'll probably end up having to buy another tank to separate them again. The one I kept him in just before the move is getting too small now.
Of course it could just be my fish but even the less aggressive one when I once tried to put him back with the Bluegills started taking over the tank scaring the Gills. And he was no where near as aggressive. The Gills were just so stressed out & jumpy had to move him out again.
They are very smart though. Taught the mean one to play by following my finger around the tank. He tries to attack it but does so playfully now. If I move my finger to the right he knows to circle around the rock. Move it left/up he would go around & under the driftwood. We would do that every night. I miss that now that I've moved him. He also knows what it means when I tap on the glass .. which is I want him to either turn around or come out. He usually does but not always .. depends on his mood I guess. LOL
Hope others have better luck.
