There is no single authoritative total for every fish called “bass.” The name is shared by several unrelated fish groups. If you mean North American black bass—the freshwater group most anglers have in mind—North Carolina’s wildlife agency reports at least 14 species. That is a regional count for black bass, not a worldwide total for every fish with “bass” in its common name.
Why “bass” does not have one worldwide species count
“Bass” is a common name rather than one neatly defined taxonomic group. Different fish in different families and habitats may carry the name, so the answer changes according to which group and region you mean.
Common-name usage also changes as scientists revise species boundaries and naming. A fisheries database such as the Food and Agriculture Organization’s ASFIS list is updated annually and catalogs fisheries species items; its 2025 version contained 13,708 items, but that figure is not a count of bass species or of all fish called bass.
For identification, fishing regulations and conservation decisions, use the fish’s scientific name and the local agency’s species list rather than relying on “bass” alone.
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How many black bass species are there?
For North American black bass, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission states: “In North America, Black Bass comprise at least 14 species of bass, which are a part of the sunfish family.” The wording matters: at least indicates a minimum, and taxonomic treatment can change. It should not be presented as a fixed count for every bass worldwide.
Examples of North American black bass
| Common name | Group and habitat | Where it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass | Black bass; freshwater sunfish family | One of the best-known black bass and a common meaning of “bass” in North American angling. |
| Smallmouth bass | Black bass; freshwater sunfish family | A separate black-bass species from largemouth bass. |
| Spotted bass | Black bass; freshwater sunfish family | Another distinct species in the North American black-bass group. |
| Alabama bass | Black bass; freshwater sunfish family | One of the species included in regional black-bass listings. |
| Bartram’s bass | Black bass; freshwater sunfish family | A regionally recognized black-bass species. |
| Other North American black bass | Black bass; freshwater sunfish family | The North American total is at least 14, so these examples are not a complete list. |
The species present, legally recognized or managed can vary by state, province and watershed. A local wildlife agency is the appropriate authority when you need to identify a catch or check a regulation.
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Other fish groups that are called bass
The word extends well beyond black bass. These groups should not be added together as though they formed one biological family.
Temperate basses
Striped bass and white bass are commonly called temperate basses. They are a different group from freshwater black bass, even though anglers may use the same short word—“bass”—for all of them.
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Asian seabasses
Asian seabasses are another group. Japanese seabass is one example; sea-bass names in this broad usage can refer to fish with different evolutionary relationships from North American black bass.
Marine black sea bass
NOAA identifies black sea bass as Centropristis striata. It is a marine East Coast fish found from Cape Cod to Florida, using structured habitats such as reefs, wrecks and oyster beds. It is therefore not the same fish as a freshwater largemouth, smallmouth or spotted bass, despite the shared word “black” and “bass” in the common names.
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Other sea-bass names
“Sea bass” can also be used for additional marine fish, including species discussed in fisheries and aquaculture references such as the Asian seabass group. A common name by itself does not establish close relatedness.
How to interpret a bass count
- First define the group: “at least 14” refers to North American black bass, not all bass-named fish.
- Then define the geography: a state list may contain only the species that occur or are managed there.
- Separate habitat: freshwater black bass and marine black sea bass are different kinds of fish.
- Check taxonomy: accepted species limits and names can be revised.
- Use the scientific name when precision matters: this avoids confusing unrelated fish that share a common name.
What is the most accurate short answer?
If someone asks the question in a North American fishing context, the practical answer is: there are at least 14 North American black bass species, including largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, Alabama and Bartram’s bass. If “bass” means every fish whose common name contains the word, no complete universal number is established by the sources available, because the name spans multiple unrelated groups and the boundaries of common-name lists are not fixed.
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- 【Essential Fishing Tackle Kit】- PLUSINNO's high-quality bait provides beginners with a variety of options, capable of catching nearly any type of fish, from bass to trout. This versatile starter tackle box with tackle include Texas, Carolina, Florida, Split Shot, No Sinker, Jig Head, and Wacky rigs, totaling 7 types of lure rigs. It's the latest fishing gear for 2025, Whether you're targeting bass or other freshwater fish, this 137-piece baits set in a convenient box has everything you need.
- 【Versatile Fishing Accessories】- Our fishing tackle box is equipped with all the essentials for a successful freshwater fishing trip. It includes 1 pencil, 1 VIB, 1 minnow, 2 spinners, 3 spoon baits, 23 soft baits, and more. You'll also receive 20 splits, 15 offset hooks, 5 wacky hooks, 4 Jig Heads, 5 weights and sinkers, and 57 other accessories. With a wide range of fishing stuff, from common fishing lures to accessories, this fishing kit is a reliable choice for anglers across waters.
- 【Stunning Premium Fishing Tackle】- Unlock a superior angling adventure with our premium fishing gear. Meticulously crafted bass lures boast lifelike 3D eyes and ultra-realistic coatings, deceiving even the wariest of fish. Engineered fishing spoons produce irresistible bright flashes, luring your target with ease. Our rigorously tested baits, forged from premium materials, feature sharp hooks and durable stainless steel components, ensuring resilience against repeated saltwater exposure.
- 【Compact Fishing Equipment】- Compact at 6.9x4.7x1.2 inches, this portable tackle box kit effortlessly slips into your seat box or backpack, enabling seamless carrying on every fishing adventure. Its segmented, plastic design allows for easy identification and organized categorization of your bait accessories, eliminating clutter. Suitable for lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams, this versatile tackle kit empowers you to indulge in the joy of fishing at your favorite spots, anytime, anywhere.
- 【Perfect Fishing Gift】- Seeking the ideal present for the angler in your life? The PLUSINNO Fishing Lure Kit is the answer. This comprehensive fishing set includes diverse baits and accessories for all fishing occasions, eliminating extra purchases. Suitable for both experienced and beginner anglers, it's a fantastic gift choice for Father's Day, Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and more. Practical, high-quality, and portable, this fishing bait kit is sure to impress.
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