Bass & Panfish
Hybrid Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus x Lepomis cyanellus
FreshwaterCentrarchidaeNot Evaluated (Hybrids are not typically assessed for conservation status)
About
Hybrid Bluegill are a cross between different species of sunfish, often a male bluegill and a female green sunfish. They are known for their aggressive feeding habits and fast growth rates, making them popular for stocking ponds and lakes. They typically have a stockier build than pure bluegills.
- Average size
- 6-10 inches, up to 2 lbs
- Colors
- Olive green to bluish-green with vertical bars on their sides; may have orange or yellow on the belly. The opercular flap (ear flap) is typically black.
- Diet
- Insects, crustaceans, small fish, and zooplankton.
- Region
- Widespread throughout the United States, particularly in the Southeast and Midwest, wherever bluegill and green sunfish populations overlap or are introduced.