Lepomis auritus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Redbreast sunfish
Lepomis auritus
photo by Scarola, J.F.

Family:  Centrarchidae (Sunfishes)
Max. size:  30.5 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 790.0 g
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; pH range: 7 - 7.5; dH range: 15
Distribution:  North America: Eastern Rivers of USA and Canada. At least one country reports adverse ecological impact after introduction.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Rocky and sandy pools of creeks and small to medium rivers; rocky and vegetated lake margins (Ref. 5723). Adults feed on terrestrial insects and both immature and adult aquatic insects, particularly larger varieties such as mayflies and dragonflies. Juveniles consume benthic organisms such as dipteran larvae (Ref. 10294).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 March 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  potential pest


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.