Pumpkinseed Sunfish
Lepomis humilis
41.5556, -88.1424
Field Notes
Description:
Similar to the bluegill in general shape (but usually smaller), the pumpkinseed sunfish has an orange belly, red or brown eye, varying blue stripes and lines on the gill and body, and a black tag on the gill with an orange highlight.
Habitat:
Preferring clearer and warmer water, Pumpkinseed sunfish can be found in ponds, lakes, and creeks throughout Illinois.
Notes:
Not to be confused with green sunfish (less blue and orange, longer body, larger mouth) or the longear sunfish (More blue and red patterns on the body and the tag on the gill extends further)
This fish was safely released (second and third photos) immediately after documentation, and swam away healthy.
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