Fin's Fish Guide
The Mud sunfish (Acantharchus pomotis) is a freshwater fish of the family Centrarchidae that grows up to 21 cm.
Eastern US; vegetated still waters and backwaters of streams on the coastal plain.
Description
The mud sunfish is a North American sunfish of the family Centrarchidae from the eastern United States, the only species of the genus Acantharchus. The species grows to about 21 cm and has a stocky, dark olive-brown body with faint longitudinal stripes. It lives over mud and detritus in vegetated standing waters, lakes and the pools and backwaters of creeks and small to medium rivers. As a small predator it hunts insect larvae, small crustaceans and small fishes. The species is mainly crepuscular and nocturnal and is little noticed owing to its dark colour. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mud sunfish?
The Mud sunfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. The only species of the genus Acantharchus; dark, crepuscular and nocturnal mud dweller.
Where does the Mud sunfish live?
The Mud sunfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern US; vegetated still waters and backwaters of streams on the coastal plain.
How big does the Mud sunfish get?
The Mud sunfish grows to a maximum of about 21 cm. On average the species is around 14 cm.
Is the Mud sunfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Mud sunfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mud sunfish edible?
The Mud sunfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Mud sunfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mud sunfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Centrarchidae
Want the complete picture on the Mud sunfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mud sunfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.