The picture looks like a hoax. A bass as orange as the Vols’ jerseys caught in a Tennessee reservoir. But social media is absolutely abuzz with the pumpkin-colored bass caught recently at Cordell Hull Lake.
The Wildwood Resort and Marina, in Granville, first shared the catch on its social media page. Boaters who left from the marina’s Kingfisher Dock reeled in the bright-colored catch on the 13,920-acre impoundment of the Cumberland River. Bass are often colored different shades of green, depending on conditions such as light intensity, water clarity, water depth, and other factors, but nothing like this.
“My husband and I were fishing when I caught it,” said the boaters to Wildwood. “After looking it up, I realized it was a one-in-a-million orange bass!”
About the photo: Have you ever caught an orange bass? The coloration on this bass is very uncommon. Courtesy of Wildwood Resort and Marina on Facebook
Why Was the Fish Orange?
Orange colored fish species do occur naturally in the wild. The vibrant orange color is likely due to a condition called xanthochromism (or xanthism). The abnormal skin coloration is an uncommon phenomenon that affects other species like frogs and birds too. For fish, the pigmentation leads to a yellowish or orange coloration that’s believed to be genetic.
Scientists have discovered numerous different fish species able to exhibit xanthic colorations including grouper, triggerfish, and tripletail in salt water, and smallmouth bass, peacock bass, crappie and gar in freshwater. Recent instances of fish caught with an orange or yellow tint include a nurse shark in Costa Rica and a snook from the Gulf.
Survival for fish with xanthism is low. Consider bass that tend to have green earth tones; imagine trying to sneak up on baitfish or hide from eagles overhead wearing a bright orange coat. Scientists believe most xanthic fish likely fall to predators when they’re small and immature, unable to hide or blend into their surroundings. One hobby where xanthic fish species thrive is the aquarium trade; fish are even bred specifically in hopes of producing striking colors.
Other Color Morphs
Xanthism isn’t the only color morph found in black bass species. Largemouth and smallmouth bass often show regional variations in color. These differences are typically driven by water clarity (clear vs murky), substrate type (rocky vs sandy bottom), vegetation density, and the availability of light.
For instance, largemouth bass in clear, vegetated lakes may be more vibrant green with strong lateral stripes. In turbid rivers, they may appear duller or browner. And smallmouth bass in rocky streams often have more bronze or golden hues.
Melanistic Variants (Dark Morphs)
Some individual bass — especially smallmouth — show increased melanin, resulting in a darker, almost black appearance. Melanism in bass isn’t uncommon, especially in cooler, clear northern lakes or shaded rivers. Such coloration can be genetic or triggered by environmental factors such as living over dark substrates, low light conditions, or hormonal changes during spawning or stress.
Hypomelanism / Pale Morphs
Rarely, a bass may lack strong pigmentation, appearing lighter or “washed out.” This is often linked to a poor diet, parasites or disease, or genetic mutation (though very rare in wild populations).
Albinism / Leucism
These color morphs are extremely rare and usually non-viable in the wild. Albino or leucistic bass would be highly visible to predators and have impaired UV protection. Fish hatcheries or biological research facilities occasionally report such individuals, but they rarely survive in natural environments.
