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Dollar sunfish (Lepomis marginatus) — Centrarchidae

Dollar sunfish

Lepomis marginatus
Family: Centrarchidae
LC · Least Concern

The Dollar sunfish (Lepomis marginatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Centrarchidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The dollar sunfish is a small North American sunfish (family Centrarchidae). The species reaches about 12 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, green to golden body with blue lines on the head. It inhabits sand- and mud-bottomed, often brushy pools of creeks, small to medium rivers and swamps. Its diet consists of midge larvae, other insect larvae and small invertebrates. Males guard nest pits on the bottom. The species is harmless to humans and, because of its small size, of little fishery value.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dollar sunfish?

The Dollar sunfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Dollar sunfish live?

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

How big does the Dollar sunfish get?

The Dollar sunfish grows to a maximum of about 12 cm. On average the species is around 7 cm.

Is the Dollar sunfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Dollar sunfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Dollar sunfish edible?

The Dollar sunfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Dollar-zonnebaars sourced
English name
Dollar sunfish verified
Scientific name
Lepomis marginatus
Family
Centrarchidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Average length (cm)
6.9 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Forked 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
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
6.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
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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