Pumpkinseed will often hybridize with other sunfish species, reproducing more than once if conditions are favorable. They rarely reach a size to make them recreationally important to anglers.
Range: Statewide
Commonly Mistaken Species: One species of fish that is commonly mistaken for this species:
Redear sunfish
Habitat & Range
Pumpkinseeds can survive and reproduce in a variety of habitat types including pools and backwaters or streams, rivers, ponds and reservoirs over a variety of bottoms. They prefer the vegetated areas of these habitat types.
Life History
Spawning: - Pumpkinseed begin to spawn when water temperatures exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit around late spring to early summer.
- Males construct nests in shallow water either singularly or in loose groups.
- Females can produce up to 14,000 eggs during a laying season. However, they produce 2,000-3,000 sticky eggs at one time in the bottom of their sandy nests.
- The male fertilizes the eggs, guards them throughout incubation and protects them during their early development.
Diet: - Aquatic insects, mussels, snails and crayfish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Size
4-6 inches 2-4 ounces
Lifespan
: Approximately 8 years
State Record
: 2 pounds 4 ounces (1997)
