Bluegill

The bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) is native to freshwater ecosystems in the midwestern and southern United States, as well as parts of Oklahoma, Texas, and Pennsylvania. Outside of their native range, bluegill have been observed in all other continental states and Hawaii. They are olive green with dark vertical bars along their sides, yellow-orange bellies, and a pigmented blue spot on their gill covers (hence, the name bluegill). Like other sunfishes, this species is characterized by a flattened, pancake-like appearance with large, rounded dorsal and anal fins. Unlike the closely related crappie, bluegill have a rounder shape and smaller mouths. These fish are nest guarders, with the males guarding nests for a few days or until the eggs hatch. Bluegill typically consume aquatic invertebrates, zooplankton, and small fishes. Much of their presence outside of their native range has been attributed to intentional stocking for recreational and game fishing.

Fun Fact: Male bluegill have alternative reproductive strategies aside from traditional mating and nest guarding. Some young males are “sneakers,” where they ambush nests to deposit their sperm, and some older males are “satellites” that mimic females in appearance to gain access to spawning females.