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

Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus
Quick key characteristics: The bluegill is found in cool- to warm-water 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, forwardfacing
mouth, which rarely extends backward as far as the front margin of the eye.
Its snout is pointed and its body is much taller than wide.
Similar species in South Dakota: other sunfi sh, rock bass
Identifi cation: The combination of (1) a small mouth, (2) very fl exible, black
opercle fl ap (ear), (3) long, pointed pectoral fi ns, (4) black spot near rear base
of second dorsal fi n, and (5) vertical bars on body distinguishes the bluegill
from similar fi shes in South Dakota.
Range: The bluegill is native to southeastern North America, north to the
Great Lakes and west to the Great Plains. In South Dakota, it is native to
waters of the Minnesota and Big Sioux river basins, but has been introduced
elsewhere. It is often abundant in ponds, lakes, and impoundments.
Items of interest:
• Feeds on plankton, insects, crustaceans, and small fi shes
• May reach high population densities that stunt growth
• Breeding males may have an orange
or rust-colored breasts and bluish
sheen elsewhere
• Males construct and defend nests and
guard eggs and hatchlings
• Often hybridizes with other species
of sunfi sh
• May reach 11 in. and exceed 2 lb
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