Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotted sunfish (Lepomis punctatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Centrarchidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Southeastern United States, in heavily vegetated ponds, lakes, stream pools and swamps.
Description
The spotted sunfish is a North American sunfish (family Centrarchidae). The species reaches about 20 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, green to golden body with rows of dark spots on the flanks. It inhabits heavily vegetated ponds, lakes, pools of creeks and small to medium rivers and swamps, usually over mud or sand. Its diet consists of midge larvae, other insect larvae, small crustaceans and snails. The species is oviparous; males guard nest pits near vegetated banks. It is a popular panfish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spotted sunfish?
The Spotted sunfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a spots pattern. Sunfish with rows of dark spots; males guard nest pits by vegetated banks.
Where does the Spotted sunfish live?
The Spotted sunfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southeastern United States, in heavily vegetated ponds, lakes, stream pools and swamps.
How big does the Spotted sunfish get?
The Spotted sunfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.
Is the Spotted sunfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Spotted sunfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Spotted sunfish edible?
The Spotted sunfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Lepomis
More from the family Centrarchidae
Want the complete picture on the Spotted sunfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotted sunfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.