9 replies to this topic

[Veritas1980]

Let me preface this with the following facts.

 

There are no endangered or threatened sunfish in texas.

It is legal to keep them in aquariums because they are not considered game fish.

I also have a valid fishing license, so I am allowed to collect non-game species.

 

That said, I keep sunfiish in aquariums, sometimes with shiners as dithers. I very much enjoy raising them. I give them a good healthy life.

 

I have this one that snuck in with some gambusia, as a pinky nail-sized fry and managed to survive with my warmouths. I am having trouble identifying it, my best guess being a redear (Lepomis microlophus). If anyone can either confirm or provide an alternate ID, I would be appreciative.

 

https://photos.app.g...Mg2BLrnH6b1dAx7

 

Apparently mp4 files are verboten.

Edited by Veritas1980, 03 May 2021 - 01:58 PM.

[keepnatives]

I had a tough time seeing it but does it have a blue line under the eye it looks like it might be a spotted or redspot sunfish. 

[UncleWillie]

I think Mike is on the money!  Lepomis miniatus.  I'm not sure if puntatus are in TX or not.

[Veritas1980]

Wow that was fast. Also, I think you're right. this means it will probably max out at about 6 inches. I'll probably end up moving it to another tank if I see signs of spawning in the warmouths. Thank you both!

[centrarchid]

Adult male Redspotted Sunfish Lepomis miniatus.

[Veritas1980]

so its zombie threads time. I still have this fish and am not convinced it is a red-spotted sunfish. now that its grown a bit, have a look and re-assess, please, good folks. I really do value your input.

 

https://photos.app.g...Bz1GQmkmVeuPyH6

[Michael Wolfe]

Clearly has blue eye crescents so I still say red spotted, they have less distinct spots on the face and flanks than L. punctatus .  If you like the H-word then I would at least say that there is def some spotted or red spotted because of those eye crescents.

[Veritas1980]

that's the only red-spotted sunfish characteristic it has. its almost like a female bluegill in shape and color, but no blue at all on it. it could very well be a hybrid. it lives with 2 rather large warmouths with zero fear, sometimes even bossing the smaller of them around. that, to me, is bluegill attitude.

[UncleWillie]

Body morphology still looks like a redspotted to me. Also, you won't see this described in a book, but you see that nice white/glowing margin on the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins? Some other species tend to get this as adults as well, but not bluegills. A good photo will help, but tank conditions can greatly influence coloration/pattern.  I'm still saying redspotted as well.

[Veritas1980]

there's algae all over, tons of plants, the water has zero detectable ammonia or nitrites. nitrates are VERY low. so the water quality is great. thanks for the input, I really appreciate it. learning new things. I am still thinking female for this one, at least. its the only one I have ever found/seen.