Centrarchidae (better known as sunfish) are a family of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the order Perciformes (formerly belonging to the deprecated Centrarchiformes). The type genus is Centrarchus (consisting solely of the flier, C. macropterus).
Is a sunfish a freshwater or saltwater fish?
Sunfish is the common name for the freshwater, ray-finned fish comprising the North American family Centrarchidae of the Perciformes order (perch-like fish), characterized by a laterally compressed body and dorsal fins typically with five to 13 spines.
How many types of freshwater sunfish are there?
I’ll separate each species according to it’s taxonomy. Today I’ll start in freshwater with the sunfishes, family Centrarchidae, which has 8 genera, and 34 species native to North America. So far I’ve caught 21 of them. It helps to live in the Southeastern U.S. if you want to catch a variety of sunfish.
Where are freshwater sunfish located?
Redear sunfish inhabit ponds, swamps, lakes, and vegetated pools of small to medium rivers ; they prefer warm, clear, and quiet waters.
Are bluegill and sunfish the same?
We hear anglers asking this once in a while, “Are bluegills and sunfish the same thing?” It can be confusing but really it’s simple. In short, all Bluegills are Sunfish but not all Sunfish are Bluegills . A Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) is a species of the Sunfish Family (Centrarchidae of the order Perciformes).
Are green sunfish bad for ponds?
They are not good for anything and should be outlawed even for fish bait. They will take over a pond. New clients who catch 30% Green Sunfish in their new pond should rotenone and start over.” ... Green sunfish are native, or have been stocked, in many watersheds...but not that watershed.
Are sunfish aggressive?
Most sunfish have similar characteristics, sometimes making identification difficult. ... Superficially, they resemble a bluegill. However, if a sizable population of green sunfish becomes established in your pond, you can usually expect small fish size and very aggressive fish that bite swimmers .
Can I keep a sunfish as a pet?
Bluegills are typical freshwater sunfish that are long-bodied fish. They can grow over 12 inches, weigh about 2 – 2.5 kilograms and be kept in home aquariums. These fish usually require around 50 to 70 gallons of water with 6.8 to 7.2 pH level and can be kept with other tank mates , too.
How big do freshwater sunfish get?
They range in size from tiny sunfishes (Elassoma) that mature at a length of 2.5 cm (1 inch) to the largemouth black bass (see photograph), attaining a maximum of about 80 cm and 10 kg (22 pounds) .
Do people eat sunfish freshwater?
These fish are nutritious and safe to eat regularly , according to consumption guidelines from the Department of Health. “We encourage anglers to keep sunfish under 7 inches and consider releasing the ones 9 inches or larger,” said Jon Hansen, fisheries management consultant.
How long is a 1 lb sunfish?
That means it would take a 10.5 inch sunfish to make 1 lb. The state record hybrid sunfish which came out of Lake Zumbro is 1 lb. 12 oz. which would have made it about an 13 incher.
What is the largest freshwater sunfish?
The world record redear sunfish was caught from Lake Havasu on Feb. 16, 2014. It weighed 5.80 pounds , measured 17 inches long and had a girth of 19.5 inches. You can see the mount, plus another big one, at the Bass Tackle Master Store on London Bridge Road in Lake Havasu City.
Can you keep sunfish in an aquarium?
A pair of Longear Sunfishes, Bluegills or other large species will require a 55-75 gallon aquarium, but others will get along well in smaller quarters. ... All do best in heavily-planted aquariums .
What is the biggest bluegill ever caught?
The Biggest Bluegill in the World
The world record bluegill recorded by IGFA or the International Gamefish Association was caught in 1950 at Ketona Lake, Alabama. This bluegill weighed in at a whopping 4 pounds 12 ounces and came in at 15 inches long with an astounding girth of 18-1⁄4 inches.
Does bluegill taste good?
Bluegill Taste. Both these fish are pretty. ... Most anglers agree that Bluegill taste slightly better . They have more fIavor and their flesh is firmer and flakier.
What’s the best bluegill bait?
Live bait works especially well for bluegill. The most common baits are worms and night crawlers because they are readily available and bluegill love them. The key is to use only a piece of a worm—just enough to cover the hook. Other productive baits include crickets, grasshoppers, red wrigglers and meal worms.
