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Redspotted sunfish (Lepomis miniatus) — Centrarchidae

Redspotted sunfish

Lepomis miniatus
Family: Centrarchidae
LC · Least Concern

The Redspotted sunfish (Lepomis miniatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Centrarchidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
16 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The redspotted sunfish is a sunfish (Centrarchidae) from North America. The species has a deep, laterally compressed body; the flanks bear rows of red or orange spots and the gill cover ends in a dark flap. It inhabits quiet, vegetated parts of lakes, pools and slow-flowing rivers. As a bottom hunter it feeds on invertebrates such as insect larvae, snails and small crustaceans. It is a popular angling fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Redspotted sunfish?

The Redspotted sunfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Redspotted sunfish live?

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

How big does the Redspotted sunfish get?

The Redspotted sunfish grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Redspotted sunfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Redspotted sunfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Redspotted sunfish edible?

Yes, the Redspotted sunfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Roodstip-zonnebaars sourced
English name
Redspotted sunfish verified
Scientific name
Lepomis miniatus
Family
Centrarchidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
16.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy 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
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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 Lepomis

More from the family Centrarchidae

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