The Northern Longear Sunfish

Range and Identity

The species was formerly treated within Longear Sunfish. Ontario’s account distinguishes it by an upward-angled ear flap with red and orange markings, alongside its bright body pattern. Similarity to Pumpkinseed and other sunfishes means that color alone should not determine an identification.

Habitat and Behavior

Quiet streams, warm lakes and ponds provide habitat, especially where vegetation offers shelter from strong current. Sandy or rocky bottoms occur in the regional account. A fish seen beside plants need not be nesting; feeding and shelter also bring individuals into shallow vegetated water.

Food and Life History

Recorded foods include aquatic insect larvae and algae, with surface feeding also observed. Males excavate shallow depressions in gravel or cobble and guard nests during breeding. The compiled maximum is 14.8 centimeters total length, separate from Ontario’s approximate general size description of thirteen centimeters.

All Lakes With Northern Longear Sunfish

Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Northern 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 98 lakes · Page 1 of 5

• Avery Lake Montmorency, MI
• Bankers Lake Hillsdale, MI
• Bass Lake Kalkaska, MI
• Bass Lake Livingston, MI
• Beaver Lake Alpena, MI
• Beaver Lake Montmorency, MI
• Big Chub Lake Otsego, MI
• Bird Lake Hillsdale, MI
• Black Lake Cheboygan, MI
• Bridge Lake Otsego, MI
• Caulkins Lake Otsego, MI
• Cedar Hedge Lake Grand Traverse, MI
• Chippewa Lake Mecosta, MI
• Clam Lake Antrim, MI
• Clark Lake Jackson, MI
• Cordley Lake Livingston, MI
• Corey Lake St. Joseph, MI
• Crooked Lake Montmorency, MI
• Crystal Lake Montcalm, MI
• Deer Lake Charlevoix, MI
• Deer Lake Kent, MI
• Derby Lake Montcalm, MI
• Devils Lake Lenawee, MI
• Dewey Lake Lenawee, MI