Scientific Name
Lepomis macrochirus

Common Name
Bluegill

Biology
A dark blue or black "ear" on an extension of the gill cover called the opercular flap; a prominent dark blotch at the base of the dorsal fin, close to the tail; typically olive-green backs, with a blue or purplish sheen along the sides; faint vertical bars may be present along the sides; breeding males may have more blue and orange coloration on their flanks (Ref. 44091).

Classification

Classified By

Rafinesque, 1819

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Perch-like fish (Perciformes)

Family

Sunfishes (Centrarchidae)

Distribution

Region

North America

Distribution

North America: St. Lawrence - Great Lakes and Mississippi river basin; from Quebec to northern Mexico. Widely introduced. Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction.

Range

50°N - 25°N

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

1 °C

Water Temperature To

36 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; ; pH range: 7.0 - 7.5; dH range: 10 - 15 benthopelagic

Trophic Level

3.18 s.e. 0.39 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

41.0 cm

Common Length

19.1 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5002 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: minor commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial

Vulnerability

Low to moderate vulnerability (33 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (K=0.19-0.23; tmax=11)

Threat To Humans

Potential pest

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated