WVU blotchy bass (IMAGE) West Virginia University Caption Hyperpigmented melanistic lesions, or blotchy bass syndrome, on the surface of black bass have been observed in several waterbodies across the country in increasing frequency. Credit Photo/Megan Schall Usage Restrictions None License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.