Green Sunfish
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Family:
Centrarchidae (sunfishes) in the order Perciformes (perch-like fishes)
Description:
Thick-bodied sunfish with a large mouth, the upper jaw extending to about the middle of the eye. Back and sides are bluish-green, grading to pale yellow or white on the belly. Black vertical bars are sometimes evident on the sides. Blue mottlings and streaks are present on the side of the head. Pelvic fins in breeding males are white or pink; and the tail and anal and dorsal fins are tipped with white or salmon-pink. Usually has a dark splotch on back of dorsal fin. Long, dark ear flap. Rounded pectoral fin.
Size:
Total length: 6 to 8 inches; maximum about 10 inches and 1 pound.
Habitat and conservation:
Can be found in any pond, lake or stream that is capable of supporting fish life. Often found in pools and backwaters of streams that become isolated and stagnant during the summer or drought. Most active throughout daylight hours. Most closely related to bluegill, redear and other sunfishes.
Foods:
Carnivorous, feeding on insects, crayfish and small fish.
Distribution in Missouri:
Statewide.
Status:
This game fish is also sometimes called "black perch."
Life cycle:
Individuals can live for 6 years.
Human connections:
This panfish is available to anglers statewide. Provides fishing opportunities in small intermittent creeks, where other hook-and-line fish cannot live. Still-fishing with a cane pole and bobber, using worms, grubs or grasshoppers as bait, is about as effective as any method for catching them. 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/4266
