Bluegill Sunfish
The bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) is a member of the Centrarchidae family which includes several species of sunfish, crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and others. This colorful sunfish is the most widely distributed panfish in North America.
Individual fish are easily recognized by a black spot or blotch near the base of the soft dorsal fin and a black flexible tip on the gill cover. The back and sides are colored dark olive green or brownish. The breast and belly may be yellow, reddish or orange. Adult males have black tipped scales along the upper body.
Males have a deep red or brown breast, often brighter during spawning season. Adults usually have vertical bars along their flanks. The striped markings are usually prominent in smaller fish. The gill covers and chin are bright blue, giving the bluegill its name.
Bluegill rarely exceed 1 pound with 1/4 – 1/2 pound (7″ – 9″) individuals being the most common. They spawn from late May well into the summer.
These colorful fish are well adapted to living in ponds, lakes, streams and even brackish water. Bluegill are often a primary food source for largemouth bass, pike, pickerel and other predators.
Bluegill Subspecies
Three distinct subspecies of bluegill are recognized. They include the northern bluegill, coppernose bluegill and a smaller bluegill from the Southwest.
The northern bluegill is the most common, occupying much of North America.
The coppernose bluegill (lepomis macrochirus purpurescens) is native to Florida, but have been widely distributed by private pond owners. Coppernose usually fewer but wider vertical bars on their sides than northern bluegill. Most individuals have 12 soft rays on their anal fin as opposed to northern bluegill which have 11 soft rays. Other identifying features include orange margins on fins and a copper band on the forehead of spawning males.
In the Southwest, L. m. speciosus is similar in appearance to northern bluegill but tend to be smaller in size.
Bluegill Links
Bluegill Sunfish Photo Gallery
Beginners Guide to Catching Bluegill Sunfish
Summer Bluegill Fishing Techniques
