Fauna
Species · GBIF taxon 2394486

Pumpkinseed

Lepomis gibbosus

Also known as Sun Perch, Pond Perch, Common Sunfish, Sunny

Pumpkinseed sunfish display vibrant iridescent blue and green flecks with a bright orange breast and a distinctive red spot on the edge of their ear flap. These deep-bodied freshwater fish spend their days in shallow, weed-choked waters near docks or fallen logs, searching constantly for small invertebrates. During spring and summer, males sweep out shallow circular nests in gravel beds and aggressively defend their eggs from intruders.

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Licensed reference(c) Bernard DUPONT, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Aquatic Insects
  • Snails
  • Small Crustaceans
Predators
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Northern Pike
  • Great Blue Heron
ThreatsHabitat degradation, water pollution, invasive species competition
HabitatsVegetated shallows of lakes, ponds, and slow streams
Life span6–12 years
Classification
  1. OrderPerciformes
  2. FamilyCentrarchidae
  3. GenusLepomis
  4. SpeciesLepomis gibbosus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Polarized Lenses: Wear polarized sunglasses to spot their brilliant flanks in shallow sunlit waters.
  • Quiet Approach: Step softly when walking along docks or shorelines to avoid startling fish in weed beds.
  • Observe Nesting: Look for circular gravel clearings near shore in spring where males guard their eggs.
Related species
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