| Family: |
Centrarchidae (Sunfishes) |
| Max. size: |
69 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 5,410.0 g; max. reported age: 26 years |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater; depth range 1 - 7 m |
| Distribution: |
North America: St. Lawrence-Great Lakes system, Hudson Bay (Red River) and Mississippi River basins from southern Quebec in Canada to North Dakota and south to northern Alabama and eastern Oklahoma in the USA. Introduced into many countries for sport fishing. Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-15; Anal spines: 10-11; Vertebrae: 31-32 |
| Biology: |
Inhabits shallow rocky areas of lakes and clear and gravel-bottom runs and flowing pools of rivers (Ref. 86798). Young feed on plankton and immature aquatic insects while adults take in crayfish, fishes, and aquatic and terrestrial insects (Refs. 1998, 10294, 44091). Is sometimes cannibalistic (Ref. 30578). Preyed upon by fishes and turtles (Ref. 1998). Builds nest, usually at three or four feet deep (Ref. 120821). Excellent food fish (Ref. 1998). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 March 2012 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
potential pest |
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