Introduced in 1959. Body has six to nine black horizontal stripes on silvery-white sides. Dorsal fins are distinctly separate, unlike yellow bass, which are joined at the base. Pelvic fins in large adults, white with anal fin edged in white.
Lower jaw protrudes beyond upper jaw.
Generally two patches of teeth on tongue. 2nd anal spine distinctly shorter than the 3rd. Tail is slightly forked. Prefer open, clear water. Spawn in spring over shallow, rocky areas in a lake or in the fast moving waters below dams.