Lepomis punctatus

Lepomis punctatus
Spotted Sunfish – Lepomis punctatus
FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
CentrarchidaeLepomis punctatus(Valenciennes)1831Spotted Sunfish

Lepomis punctatus

Unique Characters:  Many distinct black spots on sides and head.  Iridescent blue crescent outlines the ventral portion of the eye.  Short, stiff ear flap.  

Similar Species

Dollar Sunfish
Lepomis marginatus

Redbreast Sunfish
Lepomis auritus

Lepomis marginatus
Dollar Sunfish – Lepomis marginatus
Lepomis auritus
Redbreast Sunfish – Lepomis auritus

Dollar Sunfish Lepomis marginatus. Gill rakers reduced to knobs. Presence of wavy blue lines on the cheek.

Redbreast Sunfish Lepomis auritus. Mouth large, reaching to or beneath front of eye. Presence of wavy blue lines on the cheek.

Gallery