The redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus), also known as the “shellcracker,” is a freshwater fish species native to the southeastern United States. The redear sunfish is a distinctive and valuable species in freshwater environments. Its specialized diet, attractive appearance, and significant role in both ecosystems and sport fishing make it an important species for anglers and aquatic biodiversity.
Appearance
Color: Redear sunfish have a generally olive-green to brownish body with a pale or yellowish belly. They are named for the bright red or orange spot located on the rear edge of their gill cover (operculum), which is often surrounded by a black or dark border.
Size: They are relatively large among sunfish species. Adult redear sunfish typically range from 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) in length, but they can grow larger. Some individuals can exceed 15 inches (38 cm) and weigh over 2 pounds (0.9 kg).
Body Shape: They have a deep, laterally compressed body with a large, round dorsal fin and a small mouth. Their pectoral fins are long and pointed, and their caudal fin (tail) is moderately forked.
Habitat
Range: Native to the southeastern U.S., redear sunfish are commonly found in states like Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. They have been introduced to various other regions, including parts of the Midwest and West. Preferred Environment: They prefer warm, slow-moving waters with abundant vegetation and substrates like gravel or sand. They are often found in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, and they can also inhabit slow-moving rivers.
Behavior
Feeding: The redear sunfish is known for its diet of mollusks, such as snails and clams, which it can crush with its specialized, pharyngeal teeth located in the throat. In addition to mollusks, they also eat insects, small fish, and aquatic invertebrates.
Activity: They are generally more active during the warmer months and tend to be more solitary or found in small groups. They often seek shelter around submerged structures or vegetation.
Spawning: Redear sunfish spawn in the spring and early summer. The males build nests in shallow water, similar to other sunfish species, by creating depressions in the substrate. They attract females to lay eggs in these nests and guard the nests and newly hatched fry until they are capable of swimming on their own.
Angling and Conservation
Fishing: Redear sunfish are a popular target for anglers due to their fighting ability and tasty flesh. They are often caught using live bait like worms or crickets, as well as artificial lures. Their preference for mollusks can make them a challenging and rewarding fish to catch.
Conservation Status: Redeear sunfish are generally abundant and not considered threatened. They are often stocked in ponds and lakes to enhance fishing opportunities and to control populations of snails and other invertebrates.
Ecological Role
Mollusk Control: As primary consumers of mollusks, redear sunfish play an important role in controlling populations of snails and other similar invertebrates in their aquatic habitats.
Prey and Predator: They are part of the food web, serving as prey for larger fish, birds, and other aquatic predators.
