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Bluespotted sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus) — Centrarchidae

Bluespotted sunfish

Enneacanthus gloriosus
Family: Centrarchidae
LC · Least Concern

The Bluespotted sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus) is a freshwater fish of the family Centrarchidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
9.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The bluespotted sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus) is a small North American sunfish of the family Centrarchidae. The species has a stocky, dark body studded with shining blue or silvery spots and reaches about 9 cm. It inhabits vegetated lakes, ponds and quiet, sandy or muddy pools and backwaters of creeks and small to medium rivers. It is a carnivore feeding on small invertebrates. Like other sunfishes the male builds a nest and guards the eggs and larvae. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value but is popular in coldwater aquaria.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bluespotted sunfish?

The Bluespotted sunfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Bluespotted sunfish live?

The Bluespotted sunfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Bluespotted sunfish get?

The Bluespotted sunfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm. On average the species is around 7 cm.

Is the Bluespotted sunfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bluespotted sunfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Bluespotted sunfish edible?

The Bluespotted sunfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Blauwgevlekte zonnebaars sourced
English name
Bluespotted sunfish verified
Scientific name
Enneacanthus gloriosus
Family
Centrarchidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.5 verified
Average length (cm)
6.9 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Enneacanthus

More from the family Centrarchidae

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