Northern Sunfish

Source: Ontario Freshwater Fishes Life History Database

Lepomis peltastes

Description

• Small typical looking member of the sunfish family
• Flattened oval olive coloured body with red and blue markings
• The main difference from other sunfish species is the upward angle of the fish’s red and orange marked ear flap

Habits and Reproduction

• Live closer to vegetation to avoid strong currents
• Males make and guard their nests by digging saucer depressions in the sandy substrate

Habitat

• Shallow quiet vegetated slow flowing streams, lakes and ponds
• Bodies of water also have sandy banks or rocky bottoms

Threats

• Decline in the quality of their habitat. These fish are not tolerant of muddy and polluted waters
• This species is also sensitive to the removal of aquatic vegetation