Systematics of the Roanoke Bass, Ambloplites cavifrons

Ambloplites cavifrons is a poorly known centrarchid restricted to the Roanoke, Chowan, Tar and Neuse drainages of Virginia and North Carolina. It has been taxonomically confused with A. rupestris, the rock bass. Species rank for A. cavifrons is supported by comparisons with sympatric A. rupestris and other material in morphometric and meristic data, coloration and multivariate analyses. Hybridization between the two species is known at some of the sites of syntopy in the upper Roanoke, VA. The distribution of A. cavifrons has receded during historical times, apparently in part from interaction with introduced A. rupestris; A. cavifrons is threatened with further decline in the upper Roanoke River.