Lepomis cyanellus Rafinesque / GREEN SUNFISH

About this Item

Name

Family: Centrarchidae (Sunfish and Bass)
Scientific Name: Lepomis cyanellus Rafinesque
Common Name: GREEN SUNFISH

Description

General Description: Spines in dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins; ctenoid scales; no opercular spine; lateral line does not extend onto caudal fin; colorful.
Specific Description: Large mouth; short, rounded pectoral fins; dull green color; pale opercular border; no red on opercular flap; short dorsal spines; 3 anal spines.

Distribution

Distribution: From eastern Colorado and South Dakota through upper Mississippi drainage; lower Great Lakes drainage; south to Gulf of Mexico, and northeast Mexico. Introduced elsewhere.

Ecology

Ecology: A species of lakes, ponds, and pools or creeks, often commonest in sluggish creeks and small ponds. Males construct nests and make grunting sounds during courtship. Hybridizes with other sunfish species. Feed on invertebrates and fishes. Length normally to 15 cm but up to 27 cm. Tolerant of turbidity.

Family Description

New Family Filename: /f/fish5ic/family/sunfish.htm

Related Material

Resolver ID: fish5ic-120

Technical Details

Collection: University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, Fish Species Descriptions
Record: 191
Link to this Item: https://quod.lib.umich.edu/f/fish5ic/x-191/191

Rights and Permissions

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Cite this Item

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Full citation: "Lepomis cyanellus Rafinesque; GREEN SUNFISH." In the digital collection University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, Fish Species Descriptions. https://quod.lib.umich.edu/f/fish5ic/x-191/191. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed April 25, 2024.