Strange Patterned Bass

[jas160]

Hey guys, long time lurker here. I had off from work today and hit up a small retention pond because the wind was so bad on the large pond in town. The retention pond is under heavy power lines. I guess it is true what they say about living under power lines. I've never seen a bass with this pattern. I wasn't sure what it was when I first saw it in the water.

[jas160]

Someone just informed me that it is a disease in bass, Melanosis. I have never seen a bass with this before.

https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing/fish-diseases/melanosis-black-spot-blotchy-bass

[huntcountypussbuck]

Report that to fish and game jan Lovy fisheries pathologist .

[jas160]

I actually just followed up with the person who informed me about the Melonosis. They said it actually isn't a disease but rather a genetic condition. Which makes sense. Similar to Vitilgo in people.

[bulletbob]

melanosis [mel″ah-no´sis]
1. disordered melanin production, with darkening of the skin; called also melanism.
2. a disorder of pigment metabolism.

[thmyorke1]

Dont smallies on the susq get these too?

[Jedhead]

Looks like it has some Koi genes in there!

[oelgnal1]

I've seen more and more of the black blotches in recent years but primarily on LM but ever to the degree of the pictured bass.

[Jigman13]

Caught a 19" this past week in a hunterdon reservoir with the same kind of markings. Pretty cool looking.

[bulletbob]

Dont smallies on the susq get these too?

The NY section of the susquehanna is one of my "home" waters..
I have seen a few SMB with dark blotches over the years, but would not say its real common... bob