Stats

Lifespan: 4-8 yrs
Size: Small
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Diurnal
Social: Solitary
Biome: Freshwater river
Range: Eastern North America
Movement: Swimming
Breeding: Egg-laying
Defense: Speed
Status: Uncommon

About

The Redbreast Sunfish is a vivid freshwater fish native to the Atlantic slope rivers of eastern North America, easily recognised by its strikingly long, narrow black ear flap (opercular tab) — the longest of any Lepomis species. Males in breeding season flush a brilliant orange-red on the belly, giving the fish its common name.

Life cycle

1.
hatchling fry
A tiny fry hatches with a yolk sac and begins free-swimming once the sac is absorbed.
2.
juvenile
A juvenile takes on adult body shape and feeds on small prey, often in nursery waters.
3.
adult
Fully grown at adult size and coloration.

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Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Centrarchiformes
Family: Centrarchidae
Genus: Lepomis
Species: Lepomis auritus