Just yesterday we reported about a new resident in the Tennessee Aquarium Nickajack Tank, courtesy of local angler Mark Nichols.
After about two months in quarantine, the Aquarium placed the monster 11 lb., 6 oz. largemouth bass in the Nickajack Tank for public display.
Today Aquarium spokesperson Thom Benson says that the bass, affectionately dubbed "Ms. April" has died.
Benson said that aquarist suspect that the stress of the move and being placed with other fish brought about the fish's demise.
Although it's impossible to determine the fish's exact age, undoubtedly it was very old to begin with. While in quarantine however, the fish appeared healthy and was eating well.
However any handling by people, and dramatic changes in environment can have have a dramatic, negative impact on any species of wildlife.
"I caught her on March 16," said Nichols, an avid bass angler. "There were 4 or 5 of us just hanging out fishing from the bank. I caught her on a half-ounce spinnerbait made by Soddy Custom Tackle."
Nichols had already taken measurements to have a replica mount made however he had already requested that the Aquarium return the fish when she dies so he can have a "real" mount made.
So it appears that the impressive bass will now be on display on Mark Nichol's' wall... rather than at the Tennessee Aquarium.