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Bluespotted sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus) — Centrarchidae

Bluespotted sunfish

Enneacanthus gloriosus
Family: Centrarchidae
LC · Least Concern

The Bluespotted sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus) is a freshwater fish of the family Centrarchidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
9.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Freshwater of the eastern coastal plain of North America.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The bluespotted sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus) is a small North American sunfish of the family Centrarchidae. The species has a stocky, dark body studded with shining blue or silvery spots and reaches about 9 cm. It inhabits vegetated lakes, ponds and quiet, sandy or muddy pools and backwaters of creeks and small to medium rivers. It is a carnivore feeding on small invertebrates. Like other sunfishes the male builds a nest and guards the eggs and larvae. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value but is popular in coldwater aquaria.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bluespotted sunfish?

The Bluespotted sunfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Dark body with glossy blue spots; the male guards the nest.

Where does the Bluespotted sunfish live?

The Bluespotted sunfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Freshwater of the eastern coastal plain of North America.

How big does the Bluespotted sunfish get?

The Bluespotted sunfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm. On average the species is around 7 cm.

Is the Bluespotted sunfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bluespotted sunfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Bluespotted sunfish edible?

The Bluespotted sunfish is not usually eaten.

More photos

Bluespotted sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus) — Centrarchidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Emilio Concari, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bluespotted sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus) — Centrarchidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Brian G., some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bluespotted sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus) — Centrarchidae — 4
geosesarma (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Bluespotted sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus) — Centrarchidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) arthurlk11, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Bluespotted sunfish verified
Scientific name
Enneacanthus gloriosus
Family
Centrarchidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.5 verified
Average length (cm)
6.9 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Freshwater of the eastern coastal plain of North America. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and insect larvae sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Dark body with glossy blue spots; the male guards the nest. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Enneacanthus

More from the family Centrarchidae

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