The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Sunfishes

Banded Sunfish, Enneacanthus obesus

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Very compressed, deep body
ï¿½	Upturned mouth
ï¿½	Rounded pectoral fin
ï¿½	Rounded tail fin
ï¿½	Medium-sized eye
ï¿½	Dark bands on side
ï¿½	Black opercular spot
ï¿½	Iridescent side
ï¿½	Dorsal, anal, and tail fins dark with white or blue spots
ï¿½	Side of body dark-colored 
ï¿½	Nuptial males and females with blue specks on their bodies

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Bluespotted sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus) 

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 40-70 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Lakes, ponds, swamps, calm parts of streams, and backwaters
ï¿½	Found in vegetation and shallows

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	James, York, and Chowan drainages and the Dismal Swamp

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Insects and microcrustaceans 

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Some females can spawn after one year
ï¿½	Spawning occurs April through July at 23-27ï¿½C
ï¿½	Males make a nest in gravel or sand and eggs laid on plants or the bottom
ï¿½	Fecundity is 802-1,400 eggs per female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Good aquarium fish

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

If you are seeking more information for the above species click on the VAFWIS logo (The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service):