pdf version - South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks

Orangespotted Sunfi sh
Lepomis humilis
Quick key characteristics: The orangespotted sunfi sh is found in warmwater
habitats. Its scales are moderate in size and readily visible. It has two
elongated dorsal fi ns that are joined and appear as one, one (in front) with
sharp spines instead of rays. It has three spines in the anal fi n and one in each
pelvic fi n. It has a small to moderate sized, forward-facing mouth, which
extends backward to the front margin of the eye. Its snout is pointed and its
body is taller than wide.
Similar species in South Dakota: other sunfi sh, rock bass
Identifi cation: The combination of (1) a moderate-sized mouth, (2) very fl exible
opercle fl ap (ear), (3) rounded pectoral fi ns, and (4) orange spots on head and
body distinguishes the orangespotted sunfi sh from similar fi shes in South Dakota.
Range: The orangespotted sunfi sh is native among river basins that fl ow
into the Gulf of Mexico. It is widespread throughout South Dakota, but
more common in the east where it occupies glacial lakes, muddy ponds,
impoundments, and stream pools. Western populations may be nonnative.
Items of interest:
• Feeds primarily on insects and crustaceans
• Breeding males very brightly colored with an orange eye, breast, and
dorsal, pelvic, and anal fi ns; the back
and sides may be bright steel blue
• Males construct and defend nests and
guard eggs and hatchlings
• Often hybridizes with other species of
sunfi sh
• Rarely reach 6 in
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