Lepomis cyanellus
Rafinesque, 1819

Green Sunfish

Above: A Green Sunfish. Photo by Ted Judy.

Etymology:

Genus- Lepomis= scaled gill (Greek).
Species- cyanellus= blue (Greek).

Intro:

The green sunfish is a sunfish species that many anglers deem a junk fish because they commonly will steal bait. This fish, which is usually small, yet has a large mouth, which will eagerly take any form of bait.

Although this fish is considered a pest, it is very pretty, with an overall green-blue color, and some orange on the body and fins.

Habitat:

Green Sunfish can be found in lakes, rivers, and ponds.

Spawning:

Green Sunfish spawn in late spring, in shallow water nests they dig out. It is common to see males vigorously defending the nest.

Diet:

Green Sunfish are not picky eaters. They will eat insects, insect larvae, small fish, eggs, and veggie matter in the water.

Size:

Green Sunfish can get to 8 inches and 1/2 a pound, but this rare because many populations are stunted because of to high of a population in the habitat. As a result of being stunted, the fish live shorter lives, and don't grow large.

Keeping In Aquaria:

Breeding has been achieved in an aquarium. one person I know who has gotten these guys to spawn is GCCA member Terry Fairfield. This fish can easily be kept in a fish tank with minimal issues. The one downside to keeping this fish in captivity is they lose a lot of color.

Gaming Qualities:

This fish, in my opinion is a bait stealer, and really has no positives when it comes to game qualities.

Fishing Tips:

I use any rod when fishing for Green Sunfish. This fish can easily be caught on worms.