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The Longear Sunfish

Longear Sunfish is a colorful freshwater sunfish associated with shallow cover and nest-building males. Older accounts use a broader species concept than several recent taxonomic revisions.

Species-Group Context

The inventory retains Lepomis megalotis. Genetic and morphological research recognizes several distinct lineages within the older longear complex. Records from that broad historical group should keep their original locality rather than being transferred automatically to every newly separated species.

Habitat and Food

Traditional accounts describe shallow water with vegetation in lakes, ponds and slower streams. Invertebrates and insects are important foods, with small fish also taken. These observations describe the broad account and should be refined where a modern population identification is available.

Nesting and Size

Males establish shallow nests, often near other nesting fish, and defend their territories. A published maximum from the combined group is not independently established for each revised species. Preserve scientific-name treatment and population locality when comparing large fish or assigning detailed reproductive observations.

Keep Historical Scope Explicit

A familiar Longear Sunfish label may cover more than one modern lineage. Preserve locality and the source’s identification before assigning measurements.

All Lakes With Longear Sunfish

Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Longear Sunfish records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.

Showing 1–24 of 5,177 lakes · Page 1 of 216

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