Flatfishes, sunfishes, and perchlike fishes
Description
To 12" (30 cm); 4 3/4 lbs (2.2 kg). Deep, compressed, profile rounded under dorsal fin; body and median fins dark olive-green; sides lighter, olive with brassy reflections, often with dusky bars; belly whitish. Mouth terminal, not extending past front edge of eye; opercular flap broad, moderately long, dusky to black. Pectoral fin long, pointed; second dorsal fin with black blotch near middle of posterior rays; anal fin base about half length of dorsal fin base. Lateral line complete, 39-45 scales.
Habitat
Clear, warm pools of streams, lakes, ponds sloughs, and reservoirs, usually in shallow water with vegetation.
Range
From S. Ontario, S. Quebec, and Great Lakes drainage south to Florida, west to S. Texas. Introduced throughout United States and N. Mexico.
Discussion
The Bluegill is the most common sunfish and probably the most popular freshwater game fish in the United States. It is also commonly stocked in ponds as forage for larger fishes.
