Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus
Description
To 12" (30 cm); 4 3/4 lbs (2.2 kg).
Deep, compressed, profile rounded under dorsal fin; body and median
fins dark olive-green; sides lighter, olive with brassy reflections,
often with dusky bars; belly whitish. Mouth terminal, not extending
past front edge of eye; opercular flap broad, moderately long, dusky
to black. Pectoral fin long, pointed; second dorsal fin with black
blotch near middle of posterior rays; anal fin base about half
length of dorsal fin base. Lateral line complete, 39-45
scales.
Habitat
Clear, warm pools of streams, lakes,
ponds sloughs, and reservoirs, usually in shallow water with
vegetation.
Range
From S. Ontario, S. Quebec, and Great Lakes
drainage south to Florida, west to S. Texas. Introduced throughout
United States and N. Mexico.
Discussion
The Bluegill is the most common
sunfish and probably the most popular freshwater game fish in the
United States. It is also commonly stocked in ponds as forage for
larger fishes.
