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Panfish: Spotted Sunfish 

Spotted Sunfish
(Lepomis punctatus)

Common Names - stumpknocker and bream.

Description - Spotted sunfish tend to be olive-green to brown in color, with black or reddish spots on the base of each scale to form rows of dots on its sides. On some fish there is a red bar in front of many of the black spots, particularly below the lateral line. These bars give the fish a reddish hue. Body shape is thick and ovate, with the length about twice the depth. Some fish have blue on the lower portion of the eye.

Subspecies - Two were previously recognized, but now represent distinct species.  The other closely related species is L. miniatus, which is found in Mississippi and in Gulf coast drainages. Intergrades may be found in northwest Florida.

Range - It is found throughout the Florida peninsula and west to the Perdido River.

Habitat - The preferred habitat is slow-moving, heavily vegetated streams and rivers with limestone, sand, or gravel substrates. They are virtually ubiquitous inhabiting large rivers to very small creeks.

Spawning Habits - A nest-building sunfish that tends to be more solitary than some of the other members of the sunfish family. Males are very aggressive and antagonistic toward other fish in its nesting area. The beds are about one foot in diameter and are fanned out by the male, who also stands guard over the eggs and larvae. Concentrations of beds are found where suitable habitat is limited. Spawning takes place from May through November.

Feeding Habits - This species is very aggressive and will take almost anything they can attack and catch. They generally feed on the bottom, but sometimes it will rise to the surface to take food. Spotted sunfish will feed on invertebrates, insects and small fishes when they are easy to catch. The bulk of their diet consist of a variety of plants and animals that are usually associated with aquatic vegetation, brush, or rubble.

Age and Growth - Very little information is available on age and growth. A four year old fish average about six inches long.

Sporting Qualities - Because of its small size the spotted sunfish has limited value to the angler, but it is an active and fiesty panfish. The same methods of fishing discussed for the redbreast sunfish apply for the spotted sunfish. As a sport fish, specific bag and size limit regulations apply, and you can register a qualifying catch as part of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's "Big Catch" program.

Eating Quality - The flesh is excellent. Preparation is the same as the redbreast sunfish.

World Record - None exists due to its small size.

State Record - 13.25 ounces, caught in the Suwannee River, in 1984. (Please check link for updates)