Fin's Fish Guide
The Common sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Centrarchidae that grows up to 40 cm.
North America: from New Brunswick south to Georgia, in the basin of the Great Lakes and the Mississippi.
Description
The pumpkinseed is a colourful freshwater fish of the family Centrarchidae reaching about 40 cm but usually much smaller. The body is deep and laterally compressed, marked with green, yellow and orange tones and a conspicuous red or orange spot on the gill-cover margin. The dorsal fin bears stiff spines. Native to North America, the species has been widely introduced across Europe, where it is regarded as invasive. Males are territorial and build shallow nests near the shore in spring and summer, guarding the eggs and young. Pumpkinseed feed on invertebrates, fish eggs and small fishes, and can disrupt native communities.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common sunfish?
The Common sunfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern. Deep, laterally flattened body with bright colours and a red or orange blotch on the edge of the operculum; a single dorsal fin with hard spines.
Where does the Common sunfish live?
The Common sunfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. North America: from New Brunswick south to Georgia, in the basin of the Great Lakes and the Mississippi.
How big does the Common sunfish get?
The Common sunfish grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.
Is the Common sunfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Common sunfish is harmless to humans. None required: harmless to people, though the dorsal spines can prick slightly if handled carelessly.
Is the Common sunfish edible?
The Common sunfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lepomis
More from the family Centrarchidae
Want the complete picture on the Common sunfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common sunfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.