The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Sunfishes

Pumpkinseed, Lepomis gibbosus

 

Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Deep, very compressed body
ï¿½	Black opercular spot with an orange mark on the margin
ï¿½	Small, terminal mouth
ï¿½	Large eye
ï¿½	Tail fin lobes rounded
ï¿½	Pectoral fin long and pointed
ï¿½	Blue, yellow or orange spotted body
ï¿½	Yellow-orange belly

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus)
ï¿½	Redbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritus)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 70-160 mm total length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Vegetated pools in creeks and rivers, and ponds and reservoirs

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Atlantic slope drainages of Virginia   
ï¿½	Introduced to the New, Pee Dee, and Tennessee drainages

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Insects, snails, clams, fish, and plants

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature in 1-3 years 
ï¿½	Spawning occurs early May to August 
ï¿½	Nest in colonies on sand and small gravel in open shallow areas
ï¿½	Fecundity is 1,034-2,436 eggs per female per year
ï¿½	Hybridizes with many other sunfish species

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Abundant in Virginia

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):