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Trouble with sunfish

Started by Guest_BoJones_* , Sep 15 2009 01:28 PM

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6 replies to this topic

#1 Guest_BoJones_*

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Posted 15 September 2009 - 01:28 PM

I have trouble identifying one of the most prolific species,the sunfishes . This one I think is a bluegill, I havent found pictures on the internet showing the red around the dorsal fin spot. I would guess that it's effect is to make it stand out more as a juvinile and fades as it gets older or it identifies its sex. Any comments? The others will follow after I clean my tank for better pictures. It does not want to eat flake food so I am going to try frozen blood worms, any other suggestions here too would be appreciated.

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#2 Guest_Bob_*

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Posted 15 September 2009 - 02:46 PM

No, that's not a bluegill, that's a flier, Centrarchus macropterus. When they're young, they have the eyespot. They'll outgrow it. I don't have too much experience with these. I think they like soft, acid water. Years ago, I took some home from a trip to Southern Maryland. They didn't live long--my water was too hard, I think. I don't know if they'll adapt to prepared foods, like bluegills and the other Lepomis species will. They may need live (or formerly live) food.

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#3 Guest_darter1_*

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Posted 15 September 2009 - 02:47 PM

It looks like a Flier to me, Centrarchus macropterus. Young will have a "fake eye" to confuse predators.

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#4 Guest_darter1_*

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Posted 15 September 2009 - 02:49 PM

Sorry Bob, we must have been writting at the same time. Good call

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#5 Guest_Kanus_*

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Posted 15 September 2009 - 08:00 PM

These are cool fish. I had one go from that size to about 6 inches before I lost him due to moving my tank. Definitely had a lot of personality, didn't bother tankmakes, and although not particularly colorful, their "sailfin sunfish" look is really quite attractive.

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#6 Guest_Bob_*

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Posted 16 September 2009 - 08:13 PM

Someone just notified me that flier are now listed as threatened in Maryland. The last time I collected them--at least ten years ago--they weren't listed. Please don't collect them from Maryland.

No, that's not a bluegill, that's a flier, Centrarchus macropterus. When they're young, they have the eyespot. They'll outgrow it. I don't have too much experience with these. I think they like soft, acid water. Years ago, I took some home from a trip to Southern Maryland. They didn't live long--my water was too hard, I think. I don't know if they'll adapt to prepared foods, like bluegills and the other Lepomis species will. They may need live (or formerly live) food.

Edited by Bob, 16 September 2009 - 08:53 PM.

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#7 Guest_BoJones_*

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Posted 17 September 2009 - 05:05 PM

Thanks for the ID everyone! I can add that one to my new species list. New to me anyway. They are very nice looking fish and I am sorry to hear Maryland is running short.

Bo