Morphological Analysis of a New Species of Micropterus (Teleostei: Centrarchidae) from Lake Erie, PA, USA

This previously undescribed species of <i>Micropterus</i> is described from collections in Lake Erie. The species was first recognized by the tri-colored tail of juveniles. This tri-colored tail, the presence of bold parallel lines ventral to the lateral band, and scales in the inter-radial membranes of the dorsal fin distinguish it from <i>Micropterus nigricans</i>. The large mouth that extends past the eye distinguishes it from <i>Micropterus punctulatus</i>.