Many people use the terms “sunfish” and “bluegill” interchangeably, leading to widespread confusion about these common freshwater fish. While all bluegill are indeed a type of sunfish, not all sunfish are bluegill. This distinction is important for understanding the diversity of fish found in North American waters.
The Sunfish Family
The term “sunfish” refers to the family Centrarchidae, a diverse group of freshwater ray-finned fish native exclusively to North America. This family encompasses a variety of species, including black basses and crappies. Centrarchids exhibit a deep, laterally compressed body shape. They possess two dorsal fins that are broadly joined, appearing as a single fin, with a spiny front section and a soft-rayed rear section. These fish are commonly found in lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams across their native range.
The Bluegill and Its Place in the Family
The bluegill, scientifically known as Lepomis macrochirus, is a species within the sunfish family, Centrarchidae. It is one of the most widely recognized and popular panfish in North America, frequently targeted by anglers. Bluegill have a deep, flattened body, often described as disc-shaped. Their size ranges from 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 cm) in length. Bluegill inhabit shallow waters of various freshwater bodies, showing a preference for areas with ample aquatic plants, submerged logs, or other structures that offer cover.
Key Features to Identify a Bluegill
Several distinct features help differentiate a bluegill from other sunfish species. A prominent characteristic is the black spot on its gill cover, often called the “ear flap,” which is entirely black or very dark blue and lacks colored trim. Bluegill also possess a dark blotch at the base of the soft dorsal fin. Their body coloration can vary, but includes deep blue and purple on the face and gill cover, often with a yellowish or orange belly. They often display 5 to 9 faint, olive-colored vertical bars along their sides.
Other Notable Sunfish Species
While bluegill are common, the Centrarchidae family includes many other species, each with unique identifying marks. The pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus) is often confused with the bluegill but can be distinguished by a bright red or orange spot at the tip of its black ear flap. Pumpkinseeds also feature wavy, iridescent blue-green lines radiating from their mouth and eyes across their cheeks. Another common species is the green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), which has a larger mouth than a bluegill and often exhibits bright blue streaks on its face and a wide, pale margin on its earflap. The redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) is identifiable by a red or orange margin on its gill cover, distinguishing it from the all-dark ear flap of the bluegill.