Longear Sunfish (Lepomis megalotis)

Status: State Threatened (1979).

Occurrence: Generally in three widely separated distribution centers in southeastern, eastcentral and northwestern Wisconsin within the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan drainage basins. A map outlining Pre-1977 and 1997 to Present Distribution is available.

Aid to ID: Thin, deep-bodied sunfish. Opercular "ear flap" flexible and much elongated in adults. Black olive to rusty brown, sides lighter, breast and belly yellow to orange red. Back and sides with specks of yellow, orange, emerald and blue. Breeding males are iridescent green above and bright orange below, ventral fins rusty orange and pelvic fins blue black. Adult size: 2.8-3.7 inches (71-94mm).

Habitat: Prefer clear, shallow, moderately warm, still water of streams, rivers or lakes over rubble, gravel and sand with moderate aquatic vegetation.

Food Habits: Longear sunfish feed more extensively at the surface of the water than some other sunfishes. Eat mainly aquatic insects, as well as mites, microcrustaceans, fish eggs, mollusks, filamentous algae, and small fish.

Natural History: Spawn from June through early August in large colonies during peak water temperatures in the afternoon. Male builds nests in sand or hard mud and defends the surrounding territory. Eggs hatch in three to five days. Become sexually mature in second or third summer.

Management Considerations: Wisconsin populations are too sparse to be of much importance as food for other fishes and animals, nor are they abundant enough to be a serious competitor of other fishes. They are intolerant to turbid water from heavy agriculture within their range. They resemble other sunfish, they are often caught and kept by young anglers. Signage to help educate anglers about the identification and status of this rare species may help reduce unintentional take.

Information compiled from publication ER-091.