By SCDNR
A fish long recognized by anglers and biologists as unique to the Savannah River system has now been formally described as a new species of bass. Once referred to as the “Redeye Bass,” the newly named species is the result of decades of research and collaboration among scientists across the Southeast.
The formal description, published this month in the journal Zootaxa, follows years of study supported by a Competitive State Wildlife Grant awarded to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), in partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Clemson University, and the University of Georgia.
The grant, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, advanced research into the genetics, habitat, and conservation needs of this distinct fish. The species has been officially named Bartram’s Bass (Micropterus pucpuggy) by lead author Byron Freeman and his coauthors.
“This recognition is a major milestone in understanding and protecting South Carolina’s native fish diversity,” said SCDNR Director Dr. Tom Mullikin. “It highlights the importance of conserving the Savannah River system and the unique species that depend on it.”
Bartram’s Bass is an endemic species, found only in the shared Savannah River drainage of South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina. It is included in both South Carolina and Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plans. Scientists are continuing research into the conservation challenges facing this species, such as habitat changes and hybridization with non-native bass.
SCDNR and its partners remain committed to studying and protecting native freshwater fish to ensure South Carolina’s rivers and streams remain healthy for future generations.
For more information about SCDNR’s freshwater fisheries research and conservation efforts, visit: SCDNR – Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.
