Species profile
Longear Sunfish
Lepomis megalotis
At a glance
Longear Sunfish (Lepomis megalotis) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 3 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
Confirmed by 3,703 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Arkansas, Tennessee, and Missouri the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Named for its strikingly elongated black ear flap, often edged in white or pale blue.
- Among the most colorful freshwater fish in North America, with blue and orange markings.
- Typically 4–7 inches long, with a maximum around 9–10 inches.
- Prefers clear, rocky streams with moderate current over still water.
- Can live up to 9 years in the wild.
Where Longear Sunfish are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Longear Sunfish
Background
The longear sunfish is a freshwater fish in the sunfish family, Centrarchidae, of order Centrarchiformes. It is native to the area of eastern North America stretching from the Great Lakes down to northeastern Mexico. The longear sunfish reaches a maximum recorded length of about 24 cm (9.4 in), with a maximum recorded weight of 790 g (1.74 lb). Most do not live beyond six years.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Longear Sunfish article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.