Species Index

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Green Sunfish

Lepomis cyanellus

Identifying Characteristics

	Spiny and soft dorsal fins well connected
	2 to 3 anal fin spines
	10 dorsal spines
	Dark "ear" flap on gill plate has light colored margin
	Distinguished from bluegill by larger mouth with jaw extending to middle of eye and lack of vertical bars
	Distinguished from the rock bass by having three rather than five anal spines
	Distinguished from the pumpkinseed from lack of orange spot on gill cover

Other Information

In Wyoming, where it has been introduced, this species is the most common and widely distributed sunfish. Green sunfish thrive in small ponds, reservoirs, and slow-moving streams. Reproduction follows the same patterns as those of the other sunfish and is quite similar to that of the black basses. Green sunfish begin spawning in the early summer when water temperatures reach sixty degrees Fahrenheit. The male green sunfish constructs the nest in shallow water, then guards the nest and newly hatched fry after spawning. Food of the green sunfish includes aquatic insects, snails, crustaceans, and small fish.

Angling Tips

The green sunfish is readily taken by hook and line using bait and small flies. Unfortunately, it seldom reaches a desirable size.