Green Sunfish
Green Sunfish
Lepomis cyanellus
Lepomis cyanellus
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Population, Conservation Status, Threats:
Considered least concern by the IUCN, with stable populations. Localized threats such as overfishing and drought or damming of waterways exist for this species, but overall, green sunfish are an incredibly adaptive species. In some areas where they have been introduced, they are considered invasive pests, and may be intentionally removed to prevent them from outcompeting other vulnerable species.
Physical Description:
Green sunfish have a deep body and large head, generally reaching sizes of only 3-6 inches long. They are brightly colored, with green scales fading to yellow near the belly, dark vertical stripes on their sides and a distinct black dot behind their eye and at the top of their gills. Light blue veining patterns may be seen on their cheeks and occasionally along their sides.
Green sunfish range from the United States Geological Survey. Green sunfish are found in freshwater rivers, streams, ponds and lakes across the US. Originally found between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian mountains, they have since been introduced into wider portions of the United States, as well as into South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Habitat:
Green sunfish tolerate a wide variety of habitats, which has enabled them to spread so successfully out of their range. Slow-moving streams are preferred, but they can also be found in lakes and ponds, especially those with ample aquatic vegetation.
Behavior:
Green sunfish are diurnal and largely solitary. They are aggressive and frequently outcompete other species of fish.
Diet:
Green sunfish are generalist carnivores, primarily feeding on zooplankton and aquatic invertebrates. As they get larger, they may start to eat other small fish and their eggs, as well as take larger invertebrate prey like crayfish and insect larva.
Reproduction:
Male sunfish build nests in gravel-bottomed slow-moving water, usually with nearby cover and adjacent to other nests, defending them aggressively. External fertilization occurs when females lay eggs in the nest as males simultaneously release sperm. Eggs hatch in just a few days, and the young are guarded by the male for the first week of life until they become independent.
Associated Species:
Green sunfish readily hybridize with other species of sunfish. They are common prey for herons and other larger fish. They eat many species of small aquatic invertebrates, such as snails and crayfish.
Illustration by Willow Sedam
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