Pumpkinseed
Description
To 10";
1 lb. Deep, short, compressed; back dark greenish gold mottled with reddish
orange, sides greenish yellow, mottled with orange and blue-green, belly
yellow-orange. Head small; mouth extends to eye; opercular flap "ear"
stiff, with spot, black anteriorly, bordered by white above and below,
red posteriorly; cheeks with wavy bluish lines. Pectoral fin long, pointed;
soft dorsal fin spotted, edge yellowish to white; 3 anal fin spines. Lateral
line complete, 36-47 scales.
Habitat
Cool, quiet, shallow
waters of slow streams, ponds, marshes, and lakes with dense vegetation.
Similar Species
Spotted Sunfish lacks wavy blue lines on cheeks; pectoral
fin short, rounded; occurs in sluggish water with vegetation in Mississippi
River vally south from Illinois to Coastal Plain drainages, and S.North
Carolina west to Texas.
Comments
The pumpkinseed is not sought by most experienced anglers,
but is often caught by beginners. It is aggressive and will take a variety
of bait.
Other
Other
Picture