ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — There's a new bass in town, sort of.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced that Largemouth bass are now called "Florida Bass."
Officials say the name change affects how the fish is referred to in regulations and other communications, but it doesn't affect anglers fishing for the freshwater creatures.
Based on research by Yale University, Florida bass is now its own species based on advanced genetic analysis. It also found the fish can be commonly found in other states besides Florida, including parts of Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
FWC says Largemouth bass are now called Micropterus nigricans, and it will also now be the "scientific name" for Florida bass.
"Understanding and conserving fish species is crucial for sustainable recreational fishing and biodiversity preservation," FWC said in a statement. "The classification of species plays a key role in these efforts."
Officials say these new classifications will help better understand black bass diversity, distribution and classification to know how to better manage and conserve these fish.
"It will aid in ensuring their continued conservation and sustainable use for future generations," FWC said in a statement.