freshwater
Green Sunfish
Lepomis cyanellus
Sturdy, laterally compressed body with a large mouth reaching the middle of the eye. Coloration is dark green to olive with iridescent blue-green spots and streaks on the head. The dorsal and anal fins often have a yellow or orange margin. The opercular flap (ear flap) is black with a light-colored margin.
- Habitat
- Found in slow-moving streams, lakes, and ponds.…
- Size & weight
- Typically 3-7 inches in length; maximum record around 12…
- Diet
- Generalist carnivore and ambush predator.…
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Physical characteristics
Sturdy, laterally compressed body with a large mouth reaching the middle of the eye. Coloration is dark green to olive with iridescent blue-green spots and streaks on the head. The dorsal and anal fins often have a yellow or orange margin. The opercular flap (ear flap) is black with a light-colored margin.
Habitat & distribution
Found in slow-moving streams, lakes, and ponds. They prefer sluggish, turbid waters with plenty of vegetation or woody debris for cover. Native to the central United States but widely introduced elsewhere.
Behavior
Highly aggressive and territorial, especially when guarding nests. Often found in shallow water near cover. Solitary or in small groups.
Diet
Generalist carnivore and ambush predator. Consumes aquatic insects, larvae, small crustaceans, snails, and small fish or fish eggs.
Reproduction
Males excavate shallow nests in sand or gravel substrates. Spawning occurs in late spring and summer. The male guards the eggs and fry until they can swim on their own.
Ecological role
Functions as a generalist meso-predator that can impact local populations of aquatic insects and smaller fish. Highly resilient and adaptable, sometimes becoming a dominant species in disturbed environments.
Similar species
Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) has a smaller mouth and dark spot on the soft dorsal fin. Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus) has teeth on the tongue and dark lines radiating from the eye.
Identification tips
Look for the large mouth relative to other sunfish, blue-green facial streaks, and orange/yellow edging on the fins.
Interesting facts
They are known to hybridize easily with other sunfish species, particularly Bluegill and Pumpkinseed, creating 'hybrid sunfish' that exhibit fast growth rates.