freshwater
Redbreast Sunfish
Lepomis auritus
Compressed, deep body with a long, narrow black opercular (ear) flap. Adult males often display vibrant orange to red bellies. The back is olive-green with blue-green stripes on the head. Fins are generally pale or yellowish, and they lack the black spot at the base of the dorsal fin found in some other sunfish.
- Habitat
- Native to river systems along the Atlantic slope of Nort…
- Size & weight
- Typically ranges from 4 to 8 inches in length.…
- Diet
- Opportunistic carnivore that feeds on aquatic insects, s…
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Physical characteristics
Compressed, deep body with a long, narrow black opercular (ear) flap. Adult males often display vibrant orange to red bellies. The back is olive-green with blue-green stripes on the head. Fins are generally pale or yellowish, and they lack the black spot at the base of the dorsal fin found in some other sunfish.
Habitat & distribution
Native to river systems along the Atlantic slope of North America. They prefer rocky or sandy pools and margins of streams, slow-moving rivers, and occasionally lakes or ponds with moderate vegetation.
Behavior
Generalist species that is often found in small schools or groups. They are diurnal hunters and are known for being more active in current-heavy environments compared to other sunfish species.
Diet
Opportunistic carnivore that feeds on aquatic insects, small crustaceans, mollusks, and occasionally very small fish or fish eggs.
Reproduction
Males construct circular nests in sandy or gravelly substrate. Spawning occurs in late spring to summer. The male guards the nest and fans the eggs until they hatch.
Ecological role
Functions as both a secondary consumer and prey for larger predators. They are important in controlling insect and small crustacean populations in stream ecosystems.
Similar species
Longear Sunfish (Lepomis megalotis) which has a white margin around the ear flap and more iridescent blue markings. Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) which has a dark spot at the rear of the dorsal fin.
Identification tips
Look for the exceptionally long, black, narrow ear flap that is not wider than the eye. The bright orange-red breast on males and blue wavy lines on the cheeks are also definitive.
Interesting facts
The redbreast sunfish is known for being hardier in moving water than many of its sunfish relatives. The length of the opercular flap increases as the fish matures, especially in males.