Bass & Panfish
Longear Sunfish
Lepomis megalotis
FreshwaterCentrarchidaeLeast Concern
About
The Longear Sunfish is a colorful, relatively small sunfish characterized by an elongated opercular flap (ear flap). They are often found in clear, vegetated waters and are known for their aggressive territorial behavior, especially during breeding season.
- Average size
- 4-8 inches, up to 10 inches
- Colors
- Males are vibrant with orange, red, blue, and green hues; females are typically less colorful. They have a dark spot on their opercular flap, which is elongated and tipped with white or yellow.
- Diet
- Insects (aquatic and terrestrial), small crustaceans, mollusks, and occasionally small fish.
- Region
- Eastern and Central United States, from the Great Lakes region south to northern Mexico.