(Lepomis microlophus)
Common Names - Widely known as shellcracker because of its
fondness for snails. Also called bream, yellow bream.
Description - The redear is similar in shape to the
bluegill, but lacks the dark spot at the base of the posterior
portion of the dorsal fin and has a red or orange border around the
"ear" flap. The body coloration is light olive-green to
gold, with red or orange flecks on the breast. The breast of a mature
redear is typically a rather bright yellow. The body is heavily
spotted and they have long, pointed pectoral fins. Five to 10
vertical bars are more or less evident on the sides, depending on the
size of the fish. Males and females are similar in appearance,
although the male is generally more colorful.
Subspecies - There are no recognized subspecies. Known to
hybridize with other members of the sunfish family.
Range - Found throughout Florida and the southeastern
United States. They are also one of the dominant sport fish in the
vast Everglades marshes.
Habitat - Redear are found in almost every freshwater
aquatic system in Florida. They are typically found on sandy or
shell-covered areas of ponds and lakes, and are often located near
grasses. Redear spend a great deal of time offshore in open
water, particularly in the winter. Other redear found in rivers
prefer, quiet waters and have a tendency to congregate around stumps,
roots and logs. They are common in lower, more slowly flowing reaches
of rivers. They tolerate brackish water better than other
sunfish. Like black bass and spotted sunfish, they may be abundant in
tidal areas near the mouths of rivers.
Spawning Habits - Spawning occurs during May, June and
July (March through August in central Florida) when water
temperatures reach 70 degrees. They prefer water three to four feet
deep, and a firm, shelly bottom, often near a dropoff. Nesting sites are often near aquatic
vegetation such as water lilies, cattails, lizardtails, and
maidencane. Breeding behavior is similar to other sunfish, with the
males doing the nest building and guarding the young. A female may
lay between 15,000 to 30,000 eggs during a spawn.
Feeding Habits - Redears are opportunistic bottom feeders,
foraging mainly during daylight hours on a variety of invertebrates.
Important food items include snails and clams which are crushed by
grinding teeth in the throat; larval insects, fish eggs, small fish,
and crustaceans. In some areas snails may be secondary to insects as
a food preference.
Age and Growth - Redears grow faster than any other true
sunfish. The maximum age is about eight years old. Nine- to 10-inch
redears are common throughout Florida.
Sporting Quality - Strong fighters, but more difficult to
catch than most other sunfish. The redear does not readily take
artificial lures but is easily taken on natural baits. Most fish are
taken on cane poles with small hooks, corks, and split shot for
weight. Favorite baits are worms, crickets, grubs, and shrimp fished
in the spring and summer during the bedding season. Later in the
season they move to much deeper water or into heavy cover, where they
are difficult to locate. As a sport fish, specific bag and size limit
regulations apply, and you can register a qualifying catch as part of
the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Big Catch
program.
Eating Quality - Similar to that of bluegill, with white,
flaky, sweet-tasting meat. Prepared the same as bluegill.
