Longear sunfish
Lepomis megalotis
- Freshwater
- Least concern
Max length9.5 in
Common length4.75 in
Length typeTotal Length
Max weight1 lb 12 oz
Max age6 years
Water typeFreshwater
Fish info
Short description
The longear sunfish is deep-bodied, slab-sided, with a moderate-sized mouth, the upper jaw nearly reaching the front of the eye. The back and sides are blue-green, speckled with yellow and emerald; the belly is yellow or orange. The side of the head is olive or light orange with sky-blue vermiculations (undulating, worm-like markings). The ear (gill) flap is elongated, black, and often bordered in white. The pectoral fin is rounded. The name is derived from the fact that longear sunfish have an elongated opercle flap, making field identification relatively easy if hybridization has not occurred. Dorsal and anal fins, and their associated spines, are similar to those of redear sunfish.
Habitat
Longear sunfish thrive in clear waters with firm clay or gravel bottoms, favoring areas near aquatic vegetation. They inhabit streams, from small sources to larger lakes, with a preference for shallower, warmer headwaters with a steady flow.
Distribution
Longear sunfish are found in North America, primarily in the Mississippi and Great Lakes regions. Longear sunfish are mostly found in freshwater areas west of the Appalachian Mountains. Some Lepomis populations are located as far north and west as southern Quebec and Minnesota. The species has also been spotted in places as far south and west as central Mexico and New Mexico.
Behaviour
Longear sunfish feed more extensively near the surface of the water than other sunfish species. Longear sunfish, primarily carnivorous, consume aquatic insects, small crustaceans, fish eggs, young bass, sunfish, dragonflies, and various other prey such as detritus, gnat larvae, snails, day flies, and leeches. Longear sunfish tend to breed during the late spring and early summer (late May to late August). During breeding seasons they are generally found in shallower, warmer waters near the sources of streams which have pools. The male makes and defends the nest, and fans the eggs to remove silt and other debris until the larvae hatch. They spawn in groups but do not form large colonies.
Edibility
The longear sunfish is highly delectable, with white, sweet, and flaky meat that can be excellently prepared in various ways. The only drawback is the fish's small size.
Lure suggestion
The most common method is a pole fishing using a small piece of worm or a cricket floating under a bobber. Very small artificial lures are also popular sunfish baits. Good bait: nightcrawlers, red wigglers, meal worms, wax worms, crickets, horseflies, and a variety of other insects work well.