Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackbanded sunfish (Enneacanthus chaetodon) is a freshwater fish of the family Centrarchidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
The blackbanded sunfish is a small North American sunfish of the family Centrarchidae from the eastern United States. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery body with several conspicuous broad black crossbars. It inhabits heavily vegetated lakes, ponds and quiet sand- and mud-bottomed pools and backwaters of creeks and small rivers. As a small predator it feeds on water fleas, insect larvae and other small invertebrates. Owing to acidification, habitat loss and collection the species is listed as Near Threatened (NT). It is a popular native aquarium fish and harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackbanded sunfish?
The Blackbanded sunfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Broad black vertical bars; near threatened species due to acidification and habitat loss.
Where does the Blackbanded sunfish live?
The Blackbanded sunfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern United States; heavily vegetated lakes, ponds and quiet pools.
How big does the Blackbanded sunfish get?
The Blackbanded sunfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Blackbanded sunfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Blackbanded sunfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blackbanded sunfish edible?
The Blackbanded sunfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Enneacanthus
More from the family Centrarchidae
Want the complete picture on the Blackbanded sunfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackbanded sunfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.