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Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus) — Centrarchidae

Warmouth

Lepomis gulosus
Family: Centrarchidae
LC · Least Concern

The Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus) is a freshwater fish of the family Centrarchidae that grows up to 31 cm.

Length
31 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The warmouth is a North American sunfish of the family Centrarchidae. The species has a deep, laterally compressed body with a brownish, mottled colour, a large mouth and often reddish streaks around the eye. Adults live over mud bottoms in vegetated lakes, ponds, swamps and quiet parts of streams. It is a carnivore preying on insects, crayfish, snails and small fishes. The fish reaches about 30 cm and is a popular sport fish that is also eaten. Like other sunfishes the male guards the nest with the eggs.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Warmouth?

The Warmouth has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Warmouth live?

The Warmouth lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Warmouth get?

The Warmouth grows to a maximum of about 31 cm.

Is the Warmouth dangerous to humans?

No, the Warmouth is harmless to humans.

Is the Warmouth edible?

Yes, the Warmouth is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Warmouth-zonnebaars sourced
English name
Warmouth verified
Scientific name
Lepomis gulosus
Family
Centrarchidae
Other names
Warmouth; Warmouth bass verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
31.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled 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
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Hengelen met klein levend aas zoals wormen of krekels, of met kleine kunstaasjes dicht bij waterplanten en structuur. sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Lepomis

More from the family Centrarchidae

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