Color Variation Based on Sex in Bluegill

I am seeing something I have not seen before in Bluegill.  A small group of Hand-paint Bluegill are being conditioned to breed using insects as primary food by hand.  Females are taking on a decidedly yellow cast.  The Hand-paint already stands out from Northern and Coppernose Bluegills owing to the Hand-paint having a reddish tint to body the other Bluegill lack.

 

 

So what seems odd? That females seem to be coloring up pre-spawn as opposed to males only? I have not noticed this, but have not been vigilant either. Also my experience is in my pond, where observing the changes is difficult. Mostly based on when I go out and fish it.

The male will color up I am certain, but not yet large enough to exhibit the black splotches typical of the Hand-paint Bluegill.  I do not see how this color change would make a female look sexy unless it provides some advertisement like you see with female Redear or Convict Cichlids.  It does not form a pattern like you see on those other species.

 

 

Hopefully a spawn will be realized over the the weekend. If realized, color changes will be watched for closely.