(Lepomis punctatus)
Common Names - stumpknocker and bream.
Description - Spotted sunfish tend to be olive-green to
brown in color, with black or reddish spots on the base of each scale
to form rows of dots on its sides. On some fish there is a red bar in
front of many of the black spots, particularly below the lateral
line. These bars give the fish a reddish hue. Body shape is thick and
ovate, with the length about twice the depth. Some fish have blue on
the lower portion of the eye.
Subspecies - Two were previously recognized, but now represent
distinct species. The other closely related species is L.
miniatus, which is found in Mississippi and in Gulf coast
drainages. Intergrades may be found in northwest Florida.
Range - It is found throughout the Florida peninsula and
west to the Perdido River.
Habitat - The preferred habitat is slow-moving, heavily
vegetated streams and rivers with limestone, sand, or gravel
substrates. They are virtually ubiquitous inhabiting large rivers to
very small creeks.
Spawning Habits - A nest-building sunfish that tends to be
more solitary than some of the other members of the sunfish family.
Males are very aggressive and antagonistic toward other fish in its
nesting area. The beds are about one foot in diameter and are fanned
out by the male, who also stands guard over the eggs and larvae.
Concentrations of beds are found where suitable habitat is limited.
Spawning takes place from May through November.
Feeding Habits - This species is very aggressive and will
take almost anything they can attack and catch. They generally feed
on the bottom, but sometimes it will rise to the surface to take
food. Spotted sunfish will feed on invertebrates, insects and small
fishes when they are easy to catch. The bulk of their diet consist of
a variety of plants and animals that are usually associated with
aquatic vegetation, brush, or rubble.
Age and Growth - Very little information is available on
age and growth. A four year old fish average about six inches long.
Sporting Qualities - Because of its small size the spotted
sunfish has limited value to the angler, but it is an active and
fiesty panfish. The same methods of fishing discussed for the
redbreast sunfish apply for the spotted sunfish. 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 - The flesh is excellent. Preparation is
the same as the redbreast sunfish.
