SPORT FISH OF OHIO identification

g r e e n
s u n f i s h
s u n f i s h
Lepomis cyanellus
12
IDENTIFICATION: Moderately compressed body, but
not as deep-bodied as other sunfishes. Mouth is relatively
large, with the upper jaw reaching back to the middle
of the eye; back color is bluish-green with emerald and
yellow iridescence and the belly is yellow to white in
color. Has short ear flaps with light colored margins. Anal
fin has 3 hard spines.
FISHING TIPS: Most green sunfish are caught
accidentally while fishing for other sunfish species; they
are aggressive and bite readily on red worms, wax worms
or minnows.
ADULT SIZE: Normally 3-7 inches
FOOD: Insects, mollusks, and small fishes. Their relatively
large mouth allows them to eat hard-bodied insects and
mollusks.
SPAWNING: Similar to other sunfish; eggs laid in a
shallow nest near shore. Spawning occurs after the
water temperature exceeds 68°F. The female then lays
between 2,000 to 26,000 eggs. Males defend the nest
for the three to five days it takes the eggs to hatch.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Most lakes and streams
throughout Ohio; tolerant of turbid water unlike other
sunfishes. Usually associated with structure such as
brush, vegetation, rock piles, etc.