Fin's Fish Guide
The Redear (Lepomis microlophus) is a freshwater fish of the family Centrarchidae that grows up to 43 cm.
Description
The redear sunfish is a North American sunfish (family Centrarchidae). The species grows to about 43 cm but is usually smaller, and has a deep, laterally compressed, green to golden body with a conspicuous red-margined spot on the gill cover. It inhabits ponds, lakes, swamps and quiet, vegetated parts of rivers with mud or sand bottoms. Its diet consists mainly of molluscs, especially snails, which earns the species the nickname 'shellcracker'. Males guard nest pits on the bottom. The fish is harmless, a popular sport and food fish, and has been widely stocked outside its native range.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Redear?
The Redear has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern. Eats mainly snails and mussels (nicknamed shellcracker); red-edged blotch on the operculum; males guard nest pits.
Where does the Redear live?
The Redear lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Originally in the southeast of the United States.
How big does the Redear get?
The Redear grows to a maximum of about 43 cm. On average the species is around 19 cm.
Is the Redear dangerous to humans?
No, the Redear is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Redear edible?
Yes, the Redear is commonly 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
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Redear is one of 12,519 species in the app.