Everglades pygmy sunfish (Elassoma evergladei)

Scientific name: Elassoma evergladei Jordan, 1884

The Everglades pygmy sunfish (Elassoma evergladei) is a freshwater fish of the family Elassomatidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 10–30°C (50–86°F). Native range: North America, USA from Cape Fear River drainage in North Carolina to Mobile Bay in Alabama; south in Florida to northern edge of Everglades.

Everglades pygmy sunfish care at a glance

Temperature: 10–30°C (50–86°F)

Biology

Occurs in swamps, heavily vegetated sloughs and small sluggish streams, usually over mud. Feeds on worms and crustaceans. Oviparous, eggs are deposited in aquatic vegetation, preferably on strands of Ceratophyllum sp. when available.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Elassoma evergladei
Family: Elassomatidae (Pygmy sunfishes)
Order: Elassomatiformes (Pygmy sunfishes)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 3.4
Common length: 2.3
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 7.0 - 7.5; dH range: 8 - 12 demersal
Climate: Temperate
Distribution: North America: USA from Cape Fear River drainage in North Carolina to Mobile Bay in Alabama; south in Florida to northern edge of Everglades.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Fec=25)