Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2018 - 34
Redbreast Sunfish
AnAtomy of a
PREDATOR -
by Carl Haensel
photos by the author
Sunfish are some of Pennsylvania's most common gamefish.
Found in rivers, streams, ponds and lakes, sunfish are
common in every county in Pennsylvania. There are 12
species of what are generally referred to as sunfish (genus
Enneacanthus and Lepomis) that are found in or were found
in Pennsylvania. Sunfish generally prefer shallow areas of
still or slowly moving water with vegetation and cover. While
some species are small, uncommon, endangered or even
extirpated, four species of sunfish found in Pennsylvania are
commonly targeted by anglers. These include the Bluegill,
Pumpkinseed, Redbreast Sunfish and Green Sunfish. By
far, the most common sunfish in Pennsylvania are Bluegills
and Pumpkinseeds. Green Sunfish are found scattered
34
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * July/August 2018
SUNFISH
throughout Pennsylvania with greater numbers west of the
Appalachian Mountains. Redbreast Sunfish are found in
Atlantic drainages. While it is easy to identify some sunfish,
some hybridize, which may make it challenging to identify
what you are catching, particularly with some of the less
colorful females of many species.
Coloration and body shape
Sunfish are some of Pennsylvania's most brilliantly
colored gamefish. Male sunfish become brighter during the
spring breeding season, with the largest fish often displaying
the brightest hues. Look for bright males guarding nests or
"beds" in shallow waters, often with sandy bottoms. From
brilliant oranges to vibrant blues, sunfish display a full
spectrum of colors. Sunfish have some ability to change
color to match their environment, and fish in dark, stained
waters will often have more muted colors than fish found in
clean, clear waters. Some sunfish, like Bluegills, exhibit faint
vertical bars, helping these fish blend in with the vegetation
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2018
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