Long Ear Sunfish

I was fishing yesterday with my ultralight rod and reel. I caught a young long ear. Around four inches. It's "ear" had a red mark behind it like I see in the photos of the Northern Long Ears that some have posted. Does Tennessee have both the central and northern long ear? I can read no where in the field guide where the long ear is supposed to have that red mark, even on the young. Does anyone have more info on this? Would be kindly appreciated.

Daniel

Photo to come. Was late when I got back. I fish till I can not see the float. Love fishing.

And if there is already a topic on this can you link me to it?? Thanks much.

There should not be any northern longears (Lepomis megalotis peltastes) in Tennessee, they are primarily restricted to the great lakes with a few exceptions on the western part of their range. Longears in general are very variable and I have seen central longears with some red on the end of their opercle but it usually is not as large or distinct of a mark as the northerns have.

nativecajun

No northern longears in Tennessee that I know of. I live just up the road in northeast Tennessee (Kingsport). It's not uncommon at all up here to find longears with varying degrees of red on the opercular lobe. Also, I've noticed some variation in maxium size in different locations. Over in the Clinch in Hancock Co, the longears can be huge (8"). Another local population in Ft. Patrick Henry Lake rarely exceed 5". Lot's of color variation as well.

Thanks for the info. I have heard that the northerns are less aggressive so that is why I want some. I have a person that is going to send some down when he can get to it. Meanwhile tax money is comming back and if I talk sweet I may be able to get another tank.