 |
Bluegilled Sunfish
Other Names: Bream, Brim, Perch, Sunfish, Sunperch
Scientific Name: Lepomis macrochirus
Family Name: Centrarchidae
|
The most popular panfishes in United States waters, the bluegill is regionally known as bream (Southeast), sun perch, blue sunfish, and copperbelly. The bluegill varies in color probably more than any other sunfish. The basic body color ranges from yellow to dark blue, and those coming from sterile quarry holes often appear almost colorless. The sides are usually marked by 6 - 8 vertical, irregular bars. The distinguishing features of the adult are a broad, black gill flap with no trim, a black blotch on the posterior of the dorsal fin, and a long pointed pectoral fin. The mouth does not extend beyond the eye. The maximum size is about 15 inches, and rare specimens may weigh up to 4 1/2 pounds. The original distribution was from Minnesota through the Great Lakes region to Lake Champlain in the East, south to Georgia, and west to Arkansas. Because of its use in farm ponds, the bluegill thrives in most states. Bluegills prefer quiet, weedy waters where they can hide and feed. In the daytime the smaller fish are close to shore in coves under an overhanging limb or under a dock. The larger fish prefer the adjacent deeper waters in the daytime but move into shallow areas in the morning and evening to feed. [A.J. McClane, McClane's Field Guide to Freshwater Fish of North America, Henry Holt and Company, New York, 1978]
Description: Lepomis, the generic name, is Greek and means "scaled gill cover." The species epithet macrochirus is also Greek and means "large hand" which may refer to the body shape or its size. Bluegills may be distinguished from other sunfish by the dark spot at the base of the dorsal fin, vertical bars on their sides, and a relatively small mouth. The spiny dorsal fin usually has 10 spines (but may have as many as 11 or as few as 9), and is broadly connected to the soft dorsal. The anal fin has three spines. The back and upper sides are usually dark olive green blending to lavender, brown, copper, or orange on the sides, and reddish-orange or yellow on the belly. Colors are more intense in breeding males, and vertical bars may take on a reddish hue. Biology: Bluegills begin spawning when water temperatures reach about 70°F. Spawning may peak in May or June, but continues until water temperatures cool in the fall. Because of their long spawning season, bluegills have very high reproductive potential, which often results in overpopulation in the face of low predation or low fishing pressure. Nests are created in shallow water, one to two feet in depth. Gravel substrate is preferred. Fifty or more nests may be crowded into a small area, thus creating a spawning bed. Males guard the nest until the eggs hatch and fry leave. Young fish feed on plankton, but as they grow the diet shifts to aquatic insects and their larvae. Up to 50% of their diet may consist of midge larvae. Distribution: Bluegills appear to have been native to the eastern half of the United States, southeastern Canada and northeastern Mexico, exclusive of the coastal plain north of Virginia. Today, as a result of countless intentional as well as no doubt unintentional introductions, bluegill are found throughout the US and northern Mexico. Bluegills are found throughout Texas. Three subspecies are present: Lepomis macrochirus macrochirus which is native to the northeastern half of the state, Lepomis macrochirus speciosus which is native to the central, southern, and western portions of the state, and Lepomis macrochirus purpurescens, a native of Atlantic coast states which has been introduced widely as a sport and forage fish. [Texas Parks and Wildlife Website]