Fauna
Fish

Longear Sunfish

Lepomis megalotis

Also known as Sun Trout, Cherry Bream

Longear sunfish thrive in clear, slow-flowing streams and shallow river margins with gravel or rocky bottoms. Males clear shallow circular depressions in the riverbed during spring and summer, defending their nests aggressively against intruders while fanning clean water over developing eggs. Their dazzling array of iridescent blue facial vermiculations and fiery orange bellies make breeding males some of the most strikingly patterned freshwater fish in North America.

ColorfulFreshwaterAquatic
Longear Sunfish reference1 / 7
(c) Quinn, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Quinn · cc-by
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyMayfly Nymphs, Crayfish, Midges
Predators
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Great Blue Heron
  • Northern Watersnake
ThreatsSiltation, habitat degradation, agricultural runoff, and aquatic pollution.
HabitatsClear streams, rocky pools, creeks, and shallow vegetated margins of rivers and reservoirs.
Life span4–6 years
Classification
  1. OrderPerciformes
  2. FamilyCentrarchidae
  3. GenusLepomis
  4. SpeciesLepomis megalotis
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 sunglasses: Wear polarized lenses on bright sunny days to easily spot nesting males in shallow clear water.
  • Gentle wading: Move slowly through clear creeks to avoid kicking up silt that obscures their vibrant colors.
Related species
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