A relatively small but attractive species, the orangespotted sunfish has 32 to 41 lateral line scales. The dorsal fin contains nine to 11 spines and 10 or 11 rays. The anal fin has three spines and nine rays. The pectoral fin has 15 rays and it is long, its total length going fewer than 3.5 times into standard length. The mouth is fairly large, extending almost to the eye. Teeth are lacking on the tongue, but they are present on the palatine bone in the roof of the mouth. This is the onlyLepomisspecies known to have a pair of sensory pores located in depressions between the eyes. The back and sides are greenish silver with scattered reddish orange spots. The venter is yellowish orange. The sides and caudal rays of breeding males assume an iridescent, bluish green color, and the vertical fins become bright yellowish orange. The black ear flap has a distinct, milky white border. See Girard (1858b) for original description.
Distribution: Our records are predominantly from the Highland Rim region of the Tennessee River system and the Black Belt district of the Mobile basin. The apparent absence of the species from the Cahaba River system could be due to insufficient sampling of preferred habitats. This is the only sunfish species in Alabama not found in coastal rivers.
Original Description: Girard described the orangespotted sunfish in 1858.
Etymology: Lepomismeans scaled operculum.Humilismeans humble, possibly referring to the small adult size of this species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bream (Sunfish) — Regulations
Daily Creel Limit: 50 Notes: —
Size
3 to 4 in (75 to 102 mm)
