Bass found in just one US river officially named as new species

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — After decades of research, a fish known to be unique to the Savannah River has officially been classified as a new species of bass, a South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) spokesperson announced Tuesday.

The fish, once referred to as the “Redeye Bass,” is now named Bartram’s Bass. The Bartram’s Bass is an endemic fish, which means it’s only found in the shared Savannah River drainage of South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina, SCDNR officials said.

SCDNR, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Clemson University, and the University of Georgia have been researching the bass for years. A Competitive State Wildlife Grant, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, allowed researchers to study the fish’s genetics, habitat and conservation challenges.

The species is described by lead author Byron Freeman and coauthors in the journal “Zootaxa,” who named it Bartram’s Bass with the scientific name Micropterus pucpuggy.

“This recognition is a major milestone in understanding and protecting South Carolina’s native fish diversity,” said SCDNR Director, Tom Mullikin, Ph.D. “It highlights the importance of conserving the Savannah River system and the unique species that depend on it.”

The species is included in both South Carolina’s and Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plans.