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Flier
Flier,  Centrarchus macropterus

 
Physical Description: 
�	Very compressed body
�	Supraterminal mouth
�	Ctenoid scales
�	Large dorsal and anal fin
�	Long, pointed pectoral fin
�	Slightly notched tail fin
�	Many spines on anal fin
�	Large eye with a vertical black bar through it
�	Black spot below the eye
�	Black spots on body
�	Black opercular spot
�	Olive-brown body, pale spots and streaks in fins

Similar species: 
�	White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) 

Mean body size:
�	Adults are 70-190 mm standard length 

Habitat:
�	Sluggish channels, backwaters, and pools in streams, and ponds

Distribution in VA:
�	Native to the Rappahannock, York, James, Chowan, and Roanoke drainages and the Dismal Swamp

Food Habits:  
�	Insects, fish, algae, and small crustaceans

Reproductive Habits: 
�	Mature at 70-75 mm 
�	Group spawning occurs from March to May at 14-17�C
�	Fecundity is 1,900-37,500 eggs per female
�	Naturally hybridize with white crappie

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
�	Good to eat, fun to catch

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):

VAFWIS
Banded Sunfish
Banded Sunfish
Black Crappie
Black Crappie
Black Crappie
Black Crappie
Blackbanded Sunfish
Blackbanded Sunfish
Bluegill
Bluegill
Bluespotted Sunfish
Bluespotted Sunfish
Flier
Flier
Mud Sunfish
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Roanoke Bass
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Rock Bass
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Warmouth
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Green Sunfish
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Redbreast Sunfish
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Hybrid: Redbreast Sunfish
Hybrid: Redbreast Sunfish
Longear Sunfish
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Redear Sunfish
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Pumpkinseed
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Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
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Spotted Bass
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Continue Browsing Families.....
  1. Petromyzontidae, Lampreys
  2. Polyodontidae, Paddlefish
  3. Acipenseridae, Sturgeons
  4. Lepisosteidae, Gars
  5. Amiidae, Bowfins
  6. Anguillidae, Freshwater Eels
  7. Amblyopsidae, Cavefishes
  8. Ictaluridae, Catfish
  9. Percopsidae, Trout-Perches
  10. Salmonidae, Trouts
  11. Clupeidae, Herrings
  12. Esocidae, Pikes
  13. Aphredoderidae, Pirate Perches
  14. Umbridae, Mudminnows
  15. Fundulidae, Killifishes
  16. Poeciliidae, Livebearers
  17. Cyprinidae, Minnows
  18. Catostomidae, Suckers
  19. Gasterosteidae, Sticklebacks
  20. Atherinidae, Silversides
  21. Cottidae, Sculpins
  22. Sciaenidae, Drums
  23. Percidae, Perches
  24. Moronidae, Striped Basses
  25. Centrarchidae, Sunfishes

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