Orange smallmouth!

[Quillback]

What in tarnation??  I have never caught a smallmouth even close to this color.  Supposedly caught in Tennessee.

[dpitt]

NASA probably dumped it's supply of Tang

[Linhardt]

Weird.  I had to do a little AI search on that to just to find out.

An orange smallmouth bass is a very rare, wild coloration, often resulting from a genetic condition called xanthochromism or xanthism, which causes abnormal pigment in the skin. While most smallmouth bass are typically brown, green, or olive, an orange smallmouth is a uniquely colored fish, and such sightings are considered an uncommon and rare find by anglers. 

Causes of the Orange Coloration

• Xanthochromism/Xanthism: This genetic condition affects the pigmentation of the fish, leading to a yellowish or orange hue. 
• Diet: Some theories suggest a fish's diet, particularly if it consumes many orange crustaceans, might contribute to its color, but there's no definitive scientific consensus. 

Significance of an Orange Smallmouth Bass

• Rarity: An orange smallmouth is a highly unusual catch, making it a special and memorable experience for any angler. 
• "Golden Smallie": In the fishing world, these unique, orange-tinged smallmouth are sometimes referred to as "golden smallies" due to their vibrant color. 

[snagged in outlet 3]

2 hours ago, Linhardt said:

"Golden Smallie": In the fishing world, these unique, orange-tinged smallmouth are sometimes referred to as "golden smallies" due to their vibrant color. 

Calling @FishnDave, @Johnsfolly and @Ham.    

[BilletHead]

     Same person that has been painting squirrels is expanding his artwork. 

[Ham]

Sorry Pete. I don’t get  to worked up about color variants. I’m a species guy.  

[FishnDave]

I've caught, uh... way more orange fish than anyone has a right to (goldfish and koi).  But.... That is one BEAUTIFUL Smallmouth!!  

[snagged in outlet 3]

58 minutes ago, FishnDave said:

I've caught, uh... way more orange fish than anyone has a right to (goldfish and koi).  But.... That is one BEAUTIFUL Smallmouth!!  

You’re the Undisputed champion!!

[jdmidwest]

Was it near Oak Ridge, could have been subtle nuclear glow?  Birthplace of all nuclear power in the US.

[Johnsfolly]

On 9/22/2025 at 1:48 PM, snagged in outlet 3 said:

Calling @FishnDave, @Johnsfolly and @Ham.    

I have seen an orange green sunfish and nurse shark articles lately. Is the incidence of these genetic oddities increasing or are more folks out there fishing?