Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded pygmy sunfish (Elassoma zonatum) is a freshwater fish of the family Elassomatidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Southeastern and central United States, in swamps, heavily vegetated pools and small slow-flowing streams, usually over mud.
Description
The banded pygmy sunfish is a very small sunfish (family Elassomatidae) of the south-eastern and central United States. The species reaches only about 4.5 cm and has a stocky, brown to blackish body; males show dark bars in the breeding season. It inhabits swamps, heavily vegetated sloughs and small, sluggish streams, usually over mud. Its diet consists of small crustaceans and midge larvae. Males defend a small territory among aquatic plants. Because of its small size the species is of no fishery value and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded pygmy sunfish?
The Banded pygmy sunfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Very small sunfish of vegetated swamps; males show dark vertical bars at spawning time.
Where does the Banded pygmy sunfish live?
The Banded pygmy sunfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southeastern and central United States, in swamps, heavily vegetated pools and small slow-flowing streams, usually over mud.
How big does the Banded pygmy sunfish get?
The Banded pygmy sunfish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.
Is the Banded pygmy sunfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Banded pygmy sunfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Banded pygmy sunfish edible?
The Banded pygmy sunfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Banded pygmy sunfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded pygmy sunfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Elassoma
More from the family Elassomatidae
Want the complete picture on the Banded pygmy sunfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded pygmy sunfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.