Species profile
Northern Sunfish
Lepomis peltastes
Identify Northern Sunfish (Lepomis peltastes) from a photo: try it free in your browser, or get unlimited IDs, no sign-up, with the CatchRules app.
At a glance
Northern Sunfish (Lepomis peltastes) is a bony-fish species present across the CatchRules coverage area but without species-specific bag, size, or season rules tracked in our regulatory dataset.
Confirmed by 1,114 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Ohio, Michigan, and Ontario the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Listed under SARA — verify protected-species rules with the issuing agency before retaining or handling.
Notable details
- Closely related to pumpkinseed sunfish and long grouped with them taxonomically.
- Recognized as a distinct species based on genetic and morphological analysis.
- Range is centered on the Great Lakes basin and St. Lawrence River drainage.
- Typically 4–7 inches long.
Where Northern Sunfish are seen
Protected status
- SARA Schedule 1 (special concern): Northern Sunfish. Canadian populations — harm/harvest prohibited under SARA s.32-33.
Always verify protected-species rules with the issuing agency before retaining or handling.
Background
The northern sunfish (Lepomis peltastes) is a North American species of freshwater fish in the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of order Perciformes. Lepomis peltastes was traditionally recognized as a subspecies of longear sunfish (Lepomis megalotis) but is often considered to be a separate species. However, this change remains controversial.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Northern Sunfish article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Northern Sunfish?
Northern Sunfish (Lepomis peltastes) is a bony-fish species present across the CatchRules coverage area but without species-specific bag, size, or season rules tracked in our regulatory dataset.
What is the scientific name for Northern Sunfish?
Northern Sunfish is Lepomis peltastes.
Are there fishing rules for Northern Sunfish?
Northern Sunfish does not currently have published fishing rules in CatchRules' curated jurisdictions. Identification, range, and habitat are still tracked above.
How can I identify Northern Sunfish?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules app for iPhone or Android — on-device identification recognizes Northern Sunfish along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.