Warmouth

Native to the Eastern United States and parts of southern Canada, the warmouth (Lepomis gulosus) has been introduced to 29 additional states, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. This species typically is found in vegetated lakes, ponds, swamps, and quiet streams over muddy substrates. Warmouths are dusky in color with a mottled brown to dark purple coloration and can range from 4 to10 inches in length. Their diet includes small crustaceans, aquatic insect larvae, crayfish, and other fishes. During breeding, males will make nests separate from one another and guard the eggs after they are laid.

Fun Fact: During the breeding season, the irises of male warmouths will turn red.