Bluegill
Family:
Centrarchidae (sunfishes) in the order Perciformes (perch-like fishes)
Description:
A small-mouthed sunfish with the upper jaw not reaching past the front of the eye. Spinous dorsal with 10 spines, broadly connected to soft dorsal, which often has a black blotch near the bases of its last rays. Long, pointed pectoral fins reach well past the front of the eye when bent forward across the eye. Black ear flap is moderately prolonged. Back and sides dark olive-green with emerald and brassy shine; breast and belly yellow or reddish orange. Chin and lower part of gill cover blue.
Size:
Length: to about 9½ inches; weight: usually to 12 ounces.
Habitat and conservation:
These prolific breeders occur in many habitats, from farm ponds to large reservoirs and nearly any stream capable of supporting fish. Their natural range has grown as they have been stocked statewide to feed largemouth bass, and many anglers enjoy catching them. They prefer deeper pools and backwaters of low-gradient streams, particularly in overflow pools along river floodplains. They don’t tolerate high turbidity and thrive best in warm, clear waters with aquatic plants or other cover.
Foods:
Bluegill feed primarily by sight, at all levels of the water, homing in on moving objects. When mayflies are emerging, they feed at the surface. The small mouth limits what can be eaten. Fry eat mainly small crustaceans; adults eat mostly insects, plus small fish, crayfish and snails.
Distribution in Missouri:
Statewide.
Status:
Stocked in large numbers throughout the state. In ponds where predation is lowered by bass overharvest, bluegill can overcrowd and become stunted.
Life cycle:
These gregarious fish often swim in loose groups of 20 to 30; at midday they move to deeper water or shady spots. In mornings and evenings, they feed in the shallows. Nesting, which starts in late May and continues into August, is in water 1 to 2 feet deep and the preferred substrate is gravel. Males fan out shallow nests, and after spawning, they guard the nests until the eggs hatch. Once hatched, the fry are on their own. By age 3 or 4, they are usually about 6 inches long in our state.
Human connections:
For anglers, the bluegill provides considerable sport when taken on light tackle, and the flesh is firm, flaky and well flavored. Bluegill are almost universally stocked in artificial ponds as forage for largemouth bass.
Ecosystem connections:
Bluegill are important aquatic predators in the streams and ponds they occupy. In turn they provide food for larger fish. The eggs and defenseless fry are eaten by numerous organisms. MDC's Mission, Vision, Priorities
MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.
We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.
Shortened URL
http://mdc.mo.gov/node/2910
