Pet Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass?

Question

Hi,

I recently caught a largemouth bass and a smallmouth bass out of Kentucky Lake. I bought a 75 gallon aquarium with a filter and heater a week ago. I have both of the fish in the 75 gallon and I have seen them biting each other and bumping into each other alot. Should I get a tank divider? And what are some tips with pet largemouth and smallmouth bass?

Thanks!!!

Luke

Answer 1

You don't mention their size.

This is their natural behavior.  They are both quite territorial, with the LM's especially needing a lot of room.  These bass are much like SA cichlids in much of their behavior, including aggressiveness toward one another.  A tank divider is an option, but I'd let it go for now, just keep on eye out for injuries.  Small mouths like a rocky habitat, so you might try placing a pile of rocks on one end of the tank, and or providing a hiding place for it.  This may help to lower the possibility of injuries.  

Answer 2

You better separate them. That large mouth will try to eat the small mouth. Feed them live minnows and make sure you keep a top on the tank. They can jump out.

Answer 3

Mines about 9" long they should mate and make a mean mouth

Answer 4

Large mouth and small mouth requrie different settings.  While small mouth prefer cooler running water with rocky bottom, a large mouth prefers a soft bottom with lulls in the water.  BOth of these bass are territorial however they can be kept together with no problem.  I would suggest keeping the water cooler and adding about a dozen fat head minnows for their snacking since they eat on their time and prefer to hunt.  This may help.  A tank divider will only shrink their "space".  In the wild chances are these two fish have only passed at a distance now they are toped on top of each other.  Be sure driftwood or woods and plants are also in the tank.

Add the minnows.  Alternate feeding times and keep the lights with the rising and setting sun winter and summer.