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These are spiny-rayed fishes with ctenoid scales. In the region of the Great Lakes, three of the four species that represent the family are distinguished, except as young, by several horizontal dark lines on the sides. One native species and three introduced species are in the Great Lakes drainage. The native white bass of the Great Lakes drainage lives in deep, quiet water over sand and gravel bottoms, in medium or large lakes and larger deep rivers. The fish is notably gregarious, often schooling at the surface. Spawning is in the spring in shallow, sometimes moving water. The food of juveniles and adults is principally fish and crustaceans. Growth may be rapid. Young-of-the-year attain more than 10-15 cm in the first fall of life. The white bass is a good game and food fish, having both a commercial fishery value and a recreational value. Size ranges up to 45 cm length and over 1 kg in weight.
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