{"id":24177,"date":"2023-06-28T13:52:02","date_gmt":"2023-06-28T17:52:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/?p=24177"},"modified":"2025-08-05T10:26:46","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T14:26:46","slug":"help-dnr-study-blotchy-bass-syndrome-mydnr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/help-dnr-study-blotchy-bass-syndrome-mydnr\/","title":{"rendered":"Help DNR study blotchy bass syndrome – MyDNR"},"content":{"rendered":"

MyDNR,<\/a> Indiana’s Outdoor Newsletter<\/em>: Blotchy bass syndrome (BBS) is the occurrence of black ink-like spots (hyperpigmentation) on the skin, fins, and\/or mouths of freshwater bass species.<\/p>\n

Researchers once thought that melanosis was caused by sun exposure or stress related to fishing, temperature, or pollution; however, researchers recently discovered that a family of viruses was associated with the black spots in fish that were in poor body condition.<\/p>\n

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Photo courtesy of USGS<\/p><\/div>\n

The Division of Fish & Wildlife is partnering with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to collect samples from black bass species to test for BBS and needs your help. DNR encourages anglers to report observations of affected bass when you are fishing, so they and USGS can learn more about the effect of this family of viruses.<\/p>\n

How to participate:<\/strong><\/p>\n