Species · GBIF taxon 2394494
Green Sunfish
Lepomis cyanellusAlso known as Green Perch, Blue-spotted Sunfish, Shadeperch, Rubberhead
Green sunfish thrive in slow-moving streams, ponds, and warm lakes across North America, where their exceptionally large mouths allow them to swallow prey nearly half their own size. Distinguishable by turquoise streaks on their cheeks and yellowish margins on their fins, these remarkably resilient panfish establish aggressive nesting territories in shallow gravel beds. Males fiercely guard their fan-shaped nests, driving away intruders many times their size with bold displays.
FreshwaterTerritorialPanfish
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Aquatic Insects
- Crayfish
- Small Fish
Predators
- Largemouth Bass
- Great Blue Heron
- Northern Water Snake
ThreatsWater pollution, wetland loss, invasive competitors
HabitatsVegetated ponds, quiet streams, lakes, sluggish rivers
Life span5–10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCentrarchidae
- SpeciesLepomis cyanellus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Sharp dorsal spines can prick hands during handling; fold fins flat before holding.
Responsible observation
- Handling: Gently smooth down the sharp dorsal spines toward the tail before grasping.
- Observation: Look for active shallow nests along quiet gravel shores during spring and summer.
- Aquarium Care: Provide ample rock caves and hiding spots to temper their territorial aggression.
Predator (c) Oak Ridge National Laboratory, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Competitor (c) Nick Tobler (Cowturtle), some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nick Tobler (Cowturtle) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Kristiina Hurme, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kristiina Hurme · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Bernard DUPONT, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Quinn, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Quinn · cc-by
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