Orangespotted sunfish
Introduction
The orangespotted sunfish (Lepomis humilis) is a species of freshwater fish in the sunfish family (family Centrarchidae) of order Perciformes. East from the Rockies, south from the great lakes into the gulf coast, these fish are widely distributed across the middle and eastern United States. The orangespotted sunfish is a species that is ecologically unique and can thrive in turbid, shallow systems that have few predators and low oxygen contents.The species prefers vegetated areas in sluggish backwaters, lakes, and ponds, and can also be found in turbid rivers. It is the most tolerant species of the sunfish of pollution and turbidity. The orangespotted sunfish can extend its range in lower quality waters while other sunfish decline. L. humilis specimens vary in total length and age for different river basin originations, but can be found to live 4-7 years, and recorded lengths are generally 15cm or less.
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| Orangespotted sunfish |
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Male orangespotted sunfish make grunting noises to attract females to mate and are known to nest in ‘colonies’ or aggregations. Spawning patterns are similar to those of other sunfish. This sunfish can occasionally be aggressive, but mostly only when involving food or protecting eggs. Due to the wide span of this fish, the species is not endangered and management plans are almost nonexistent presently. The orangespotted sunfish has been introduced to many habitats, such as rivers in Alabama, Texas, Colorado, Michigan and Florida. This species of sunfish should ideally be monitored more closely to determine the specific habitat range and to be able to accurately ascertain the affects of the ecosystem on the fish, such as human-induced negative influences.