| Family: |
Centrarchidae (Sunfishes) |
| Max. size: |
41 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 2,150.0 g; max. reported age: 10 years |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 7 - 7.5; dH range: 10 - 15 |
| Distribution: |
North America: St. Lawrence - Great Lakes and Mississippi river basin; from Quebec to northern Mexico. Widely introduced. Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction. |
| Diagnosis: |
A dark blue or black "ear" on an extension of the gill cover called the opercular flap; a prominent dark blotch at the base of the dorsal fin, close to the tail; typically olive-green backs, with a blue or purplish sheen along the sides; faint vertical bars may be present along the sides; breeding males may have more blue and orange coloration on their flanks (Ref. 44091). |
| Biology: |
Adults are found frequently in lakes, ponds, reservoirs and sluggish streams (Ref. 5723, 10294); occur primarily in reservoirs in Hawaii; preferably live in deep weed beds (Ref. 5723). Active mainly during dusk and dawn. They feed upon snails, small crayfish, insects, worms and small minnows (Ref. 5723). Young feed on crustaceans, insects and worms (Ref. 5723, 10294). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 21 August 2018 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
potential pest |
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