Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)

Scientific name: Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque, 1819

The Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) is a freshwater fish of the family Centrarchidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 1–36°C (34–97°F).

Bluegill care at a glance

Temperature: 1–36°C (34–97°F)

Biology

A dark blue or black "ear" on an extension of the gill cover called the opercular flap; a prominent dark blotch at the base of the dorsal fin, close to the tail; typically olive-green backs, with a blue or purplish sheen along the sides; faint vertical bars may be present along the sides; breeding males may have more blue and orange coloration on their flanks.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Lepomis macrochirus
Family: Centrarchidae (Sunfishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 41.0
Common length: 19.1
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 7.0 - 7.5; dH range: 10 - 15 benthopelagic
Climate: Subtropical
Distribution: North America: St. Lawrence - Great Lakes and Mississippi river basin; from Quebec to northern Mexico. Widely introduced. Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Potential pest
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (K=0.19-0.23; tmax=11)