Sunfish, Green Lepomis cyanellus
Description
Green sunfish are a freshwater fish in the sunfish family. It is a panfish popular with fishermen and also kept by hobbyists. It is said that they have polarization sensitive vision not found in humans and other vertebrates which helps in enhancement of visibility of target objects. They are considered an invasive species in Florida and New Jersey. They are illegal to possess without a valid permit on research or exhibition by public agendies. The sunfish is blue-green in color with yellow flecks on its back and sides. The gill and head have broken blue stripes. The Dorsal fin has about ten spines. It is about seven inches long and weighs less than a pound.
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Range
Range of habitat includes North America east of the Rocky Mountains. They are specifically indigenous to lakes and rivers such as the Great Lakes and some basins of the Mississippi River.
Habitat
They live in sluggish backwaters, lakes, and ponds with gravel, sand, or bedrock bottoms. They are able to tolerate poor water conditions.
Gestation
3-5 days
Litter
2,000 to 23,000 eggs
Behavior
Green sunfish tend to spend their time hiding around rocks, submerged logs, plants, and other things that provide cover.
Reproduction
Spawning begins in the summer depending on the water temperature. The males create nests in shallow water near some shelter. The males defend the nest and offspring. If the nest itself does not attract a female he will grunt to lead her to his nest.
Diet (Wild)
The diet includes aquatic insects and larvae, insects that fall into the water, crayfish, snails, small fish, zooplankton, and other small invertebrates.
Conservation Status
Least Concerned