Lepomis macrochirus

(Rafinesque, 1819)

Vernacular names
English : Bluegill
French : Crapet arlequin, Perche-soleil bleue

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Centrarchiformes
Family : Centrarchidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach up to 41 cm in length for a weight of 2.2 kg. High profile with slightly concave forehead. Coloration is olive green with blue or purplish sheen and faint vertical bars. Black opercular flap, beige to orange throat. Red eyes.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in North America, from south-east Canada and Great Lakes to Florida, Texas and Rio Grande. Introduced in many parts of the world. Lives in warm and shallow lakes, slow-moving rivers, ponds and swamps.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is very common and its populations tend to be increasing in man-modified rivers. Considered as a pest where introduced.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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