Bluegill – Lepomis Macrochirus

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Bluegill – Lepomis macrochirus Distribution – Originally, restricted to western and central North America where it ranged from coastal Virginia to Florida, west to Texas and northern Mexico, and north from western Minnesota to western New York. Today found in all states and is widely distributed. Appearance varies considerably among individuals, as is true with most sunfish. Most bluegill are light to dark olive, though older fish may have a purplish tinge. Cheeks and gill covers are often bluish and the ear flap is black. The rearward edge of the soft portion of the dorsal fin carries a dark blotch. Breeding males are marked by bright blue and orange. Females and younger fish are less colorful and are often marked by dark vertical bars on their olive backs. Though they occasionally exceed a pound, an 8-inch bluegill is considered large. Food Habits - The bluegill's mouth is small; it feeds mostly on aquatic insects and other small invertebrates. Young bluegill will feed in heavy weeds to avoid predators. Bluegill large enough to be of no interest to bass often swim freely in more open water, feeding heavily on tiny drifting zooplankton. This open-water feeding is especially common if bluegill must compete with pumpkinseed and green sunfish, which stay in the weeds. When food is scarce, bluegill will eat their own eggs. Life History - Bluegill spawn from late May or through much of the summer in water temperatures of 67 to 80 degrees. Male bluegill fan out a nest in firm-bottomed shallows often within a colony of dozens of other nests. A single female can deposit more than 50,000 eggs. The male then guards eggs and fry. Life Span – The average bluegill lives from 5 – 6 years. Sport Fishing - The bluegill provide great sport especially when using ultra-light to light tackle. The species also provide a good introduction to angling for kids! Threats – Pollution and habitat loss are the most important threats. Its pretty hard to over fish bluegill, however, heavy fishing pressure removes most of the larger individuals from the population. .

Copy Link

Recommended publications

Status Review and Management Outline for Quality Bluegill and Black Crappie Populations in the Grand Rapids Area
Status Review and Management Outline for Quality Bluegill and Black Crappie Populations in the Grand Rapids Area. Revised in 2013 By David L. Weitzel Assistant Area Fisheries Supervisor MN DNR, Grand Rapids Area Fisheries Table of Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 3 Bass Lake ....................................................................................................................................................... 5 Blackwater, Jay Gould, and Little Jay Gould lakes ...................................................................................... 10 Cut Foot and Little Cut Foot Sioux lakes ..................................................................................................... 18 Deer, Pickerel, and Battle lakes .................................................................................................................. 23 Dixon Lake ................................................................................................................................................... 31 Grave Lake ................................................................................................................................................... 37 Split Hand and Little Split Hand Lakes ........................................................................................................ 41 Sand Lake ...................................................................................................................................................
[Show full text]
Peoria Riverfront Development, Illinois (Ecosystem Restoration)
PEORIA RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT, ILLINOIS (ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION) FEASIBILITY STUDY WITH INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT MAIN REPORT MARCH 2003 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY ROCK ISLAND DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS CLOCK TOWER BUILDING - P.O. BOX 2004 ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS 61204-2004 REPLY TO ATTENTION OF http://www.mvr.usace.army.mil CEMVR-PM-M PEORIA RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT, ILLINOIS (ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION) FEASIBILITY STUDY WITH INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT MAIN REPORT MARCH 2003 Executive Summary he Peoria Riverfront Development (Ecosystem Restoration) Project area includes Lower Peoria Lake. The area lies within Peoria and Tazewell Counties, Illinois, and includes TIllinois River Miles 162-167. The project is related to the Peoria Riverfront Development Project, a public and private cooperative effort that also includes revitalization of the City’s downtown area. Development includes a visitor’s center, city park, residential redevelopment, community center, riverboat landing, sports complex, entertainment centers, and retail development. The region has begun to reclaim its abandoned industrial riverfront, with the understanding that a healthy, attractive, and sustainable environment must be present. The Illinois River is a symbol of the region’s economic, social, and cultural history, as well as its future. Therefore, ecosystem restoration in Peoria Lake is a vital component to an overall effort and vision to develop the Peoria Riverfront in an ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable manner. This Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study was conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (Non-Federal Sponsor) to investigate the Federal and State interest in ecosystem restoration within Peoria Lake. In support of this resource vision, several regulatory efforts on the part of the cities and counties to address the sedimentation issue affecting the Illinois River have been adopted.
[Show full text]
Variation of the Spotted Sunfish, Lepomis Punctatus Complex
Variation of the Spotted Sunfish, Lepomis punctatus Complex (Centrarehidae): Meristies, Morphometries, Pigmentation and Species Limits BULLETIN ALABAMA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY The scientific publication of the Alabama Museum of Natural History. Richard L. Mayden, Editor, John C. Hall, Managing Editor. BULLETIN ALABAMA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY is published by the Alabama Museum of Natural History, a unit of The University of Alabama. The BULLETIN succeeds its predecessor, the MUSEUM PAPERS, which was terminated in 1961 upon the transfer of the Museum to the University from its parent organization, the Geological Survey of Alabama. The BULLETIN is devoted primarily to scholarship and research concerning the natural history of Alabama and the midsouth. It appears irregularly in consecutively numbered issues. Communication concerning manuscripts, style, and editorial policy should be addressed to: Editor, BULLETIN ALABAMA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, The University of Alabama, Box 870340, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0340; Telephone (205) 348-7550. Prospective authors should examine the Notice to Authors inside the back cover. Orders and requests for general information should be addressed to Managing Editor, BULLETIN ALABAMA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, at the above address. Numbers may be purchased individually; standing orders are accepted. Remittances should accompany orders for individual numbers and be payable to The University of Alabama. The BULLETIN will invoice standing orders. Library exchanges may be handled through: Exchange Librarian, The University of Alabama, Box 870266, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0340. When citing this publication, authors are requested to use the following abbreviation: Bull. Alabama Mus. Nat. Hist. ISSN: 0196-1039 Copyright 1991 by The Alabama Museum of Natural History Price this number: $6.00 })Il{ -w-~ '{(iI1 .....~" _--.
[Show full text]
Literature Based Characterization of Resident Fish Entrainment-Turbine
Draft Technical Memorandum Literature Based Characterization of Resident Fish Entrainment and Turbine-Induced Mortality Klamath Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2082) Prepared for PacifiCorp Prepared by CH2M HILL September 2003 Contents Introduction...................................................................................................................................1 Objectives ......................................................................................................................................1 Study Approach ............................................................................................................................2 Fish Entrainment ..............................................................................................................2 Turbine-induced Mortality .............................................................................................2 Characterization of Fish Entrainment ......................................................................................2 Magnitude of Annual Entrainment ...............................................................................9 Size Composition............................................................................................................10 Species Composition ......................................................................................................10 Seasonal and Diurnal Distribution...............................................................................15 Turbine Mortality.......................................................................................................................18
[Show full text]
Labidesthes Sicculus
Version 2, 2015 United States Fish and Wildlife Service Lower Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office 1 Atherinidae Atherinidae Sand Smelt Distinguishing Features: — (Atherina boyeri) — Sand Smelt (Non-native) Old World Silversides Old World Silversides Old World (Atherina boyeri) Two widely separated dorsal fins Eye wider than Silver color snout length 39-49 lateral line scales 2 anal spines, 13-15.5 rays Rainbow Smelt (Non -Native) (Osmerus mordax) No dorsal spines Pale green dorsally Single dorsal with adipose fin Coloring: Silver Elongated, pointed snout No anal spines Size: Length: up to 145mm SL Pink/purple/blue iridescence on sides Distinguishing Features: Dorsal spines (total): 7-10 Brook Silverside (Native) 1 spine, 10-11 rays Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-16 (Labidesthes sicculus) 4 spines Anal spines: 2 Anal soft rays: 13-15.5 Eye diameter wider than snout length Habitat: Pelagic in lakes, slow or still waters Similar Species: Rainbow Smelt (Osmerus mordax), 75-80 lateral line scales Brook Silverside (Labidesthes sicculus) Elongated anal fin Images are not to scale 2 3 Centrarchidae Centrarchidae Redear Sunfish Distinguishing Features: (Lepomis microlophus) Redear Sunfish (Non-native) — — Sunfishes (Lepomis microlophus) Sunfishes Red on opercular flap No iridescent lines on cheek Long, pointed pectoral fins Bluegill (Native) Dark blotch at base (Lepomis macrochirus) of dorsal fin No red on opercular flap Coloring: Brownish-green to gray Blue-purple iridescence on cheek Bright red outer margin on opercular flap
[Show full text]
15 Best Indiana Panfishing Lakes
15 best Indiana panfishing lakes This information has been shared numerous places but somehow we’ve missed putting it on our own website. If you’ve been looking for a place to catch some dinner, our fisheries biologists have compiled a list of the 15 best panfishing lakes throughout Indiana. Enjoy! Northern Indiana Sylvan Lake Sylvan Lake is a 669-acre man made reservoir near Rome City. It is best known for its bluegill fishing with some reaching 9 inches. About one third of the adult bluegill population are 7 inches or larger. The best places to catch bluegill are the Cain Basin at the east end of the lake and along the 8 to 10 foot drop-offs in the western basin. Red-worms, flies, and crickets are the most effective baits. Skinner Lake Skinner Lake is a 125-acre natural lake near Albion. The lake is known for crappie fishing for both black and white crappies. Most crappies are in the 8 to 9 inch range, with some reaching 16 inches long. Don’t expect to catch lots of big crappies, but you can expect to catch plenty that are keeper-size. The best crappie fishing is in May over developing lily pads in the four corners of the lake. Live minnows and small white jigs are the most effective baits. J. C. Murphey Lake J. C. Murphey Lake is located on Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area in Newton County. Following this winter, there was minimal ice fishing (due to lack of ice) and the spring fishing should be phenomenal especially for bluegills.
[Show full text]
Wildlife Species
Wildlife Species This chapter contains information on species featured in each of the ecoregions. Species are grouped by Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fish. Species are listed alphabetically within each group. A general description, habitat requirements, and possible wildlife management practices are provided for each species. Wildlife management practices for a particular species may vary among ecoregions, so not all of the wildlife management practices listed for a species may be applicable for that species in all ecoregions. Refer to the WMP charts within a particular ecoregion to determine which practices are appropriate for species included in that ecoregion. The species descriptions contain all the information needed about a particular species for the WHEP contest. However, additional reading should be encouraged for participants that want more detailed information. Field guides to North American wildlife and fish are good sources for information and pictures of the species listed. There also are many Web sites available for wildlife species identification by sight and sound. Information from this section will be used in the Wildlife Challenge at the National Invitational. Participants should be familiar with the information presented within the species accounts for those species included within the ecoregions used at the Invitational. It is important to understand that when assessing habitat for a particular wildlife species and considering various WMPs for recommendation, current conditions should be evaluated. That is, WMPs should be recommended based on the current habitat conditions within the year. Also, it is important to realize the benefit of a WMP may not be realized soon. For example, trees or shrubs planted for mast may not provide cover or bear fruit for several years.
[Show full text]
4-H-993-W, Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Food Flash Cards
Purdue extension 4-H-993-W Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Food Flash Cards Authors: Natalie Carroll, Professor, Youth Development right, it goes in the “fast” pile. If it takes a little and Agricultural Education longer, put the card in the “medium” pile. And if Brian Miller, Director, Illinois–Indiana Sea Grant College the learner does not know, put the card in the “no” Program Photos by the authors, unless otherwise noted. pile. Concentrate follow-up study efforts on the “medium” and “no” piles. These flash cards can help youth learn about the foods that wildlife eat. This will help them assign THE CONTEST individual food items to the appropriate food When youth attend the WHEP Career Development categories and identify which wildlife species Event (CDE), actual food specimens—not eat those foods during the Foods Activity of the pictures—will be displayed on a table (see Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP) Figure 1). Participants need to identify which contest. While there may be some disagreement food category is represented by the specimen. about which wildlife eat foods from the category Participants will write this food category on the top represented by the picture, the authors feel that the of the score sheet (Scantron sheet, see Figure 2) and species listed give a good representation. then mark the appropriate boxes that represent the wildlife species which eat this category of food. The Use the following pages to make flash cards by same species are listed on the flash cards, making it cutting along the dotted lines, then fold the papers much easier for the students to learn this material.
[Show full text]
2021 Fish Suppliers
2021 Fish Suppliers A.B. Jones Fish Hatchery Largemouth bass, hybrid bluegill, bluegill, black crappie, triploid grass carp, Nancy Jones gambusia – mosquito fish, channel catfish, bullfrog tadpoles, shiners 1057 Hwy 26 Williamsburg, KY 40769 (606) 549-2669 ATAC, LLC Pond Management Specialist Fathead minnows, golden shiner, goldfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, Rick Rogers hybrid bluegill, bluegill, redear sunfish, walleye, channel catfish, rainbow trout, PO Box 1223 black crappie, triploid grass carp, common carp, hybrid striped bass, koi, Lebanon, OH 45036 shubunkin goldfish, bullfrog tadpoles, and paddlefish (513) 932-6529 Anglers Bait-n-Tackle LLC Fathead minnows, rosey red minnows, bluegill, hybrid bluegill, goldfish and Kaleb Rodebaugh golden shiners 747 North Arnold Ave Prestonsburg, KY 606-886-1335 Andry’s Fish Farm Bluegill, hybrid bluegill, largemouth bass, koi, channel catfish, white catfish, Lyle Andry redear sunfish, black crappie, tilapia – human consumption only, triploid grass 10923 E. Conservation Club Road carp, fathead minnows and golden shiners Birdseye, IN 47513 (812) 389-2448 Arkansas Pondstockers, Inc Channel catfish, bluegill, hybrid bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, Michael Denton black crappie, fathead minnows, and triploid grass carp PO Box 357 Harrisbug, AR 75432 (870) 578-9773 Aquatic Control, Inc. Largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, triploid grass carp, fathead Clinton Charlton minnows, redear sunfish, golden shiner, rainbow trout, and hybrid striped bass 505 Assembly Drive, STE 108
[Show full text]
GREEN SUNFISH (Lepomis Cyanellus)
GREEN SUNFISH Oneida Lake Status: (Lepomis cyanellus) Not Common • Oneida Lake population small but on the rise • Out competes bluegills in Oneida Lake • Hybridization makes identification difficult Green sunfish may grow to 9 inches in Oneida Lake, and weigh up to a ½ pound. Green sunfish are not as deep bodied as other commonly known sunfish, and typically have a more Green sunfish in the wild: drab color scheme. They have a blue-green back that fades to http://www.bobberstop.com/images/gr yellow or white at the belly, and have a black earflap with a een_sunfish.jpg yellow edge (see drawing). Green sunfish have a top jaw that extends back to the middle of the eye, and a mouth that is larger than its close relatives. Unfortunately, green sunfish may hybridize with pumpkinseed and bluegill sunfish (see photo to left), making identification difficult. Sunfish identification becomes difficult when hybridization occurs: http://www.southernpondsandwildlife.c om/upload/articletitles/000052.50.jpg Small green sunfish before release back to the water: http://www.tnfish.org/PhotoGalleryFish_TWRA/FishPhotoGallery_ TWRA/pages/GreenSunfishMeltonHillNegus_jpg.htm Green sunfish do not favor any bottom type in Oneida Lake, but generally live near brush, vegetation, and rocks. Unlike most sunfish, greens tolerate areas with high turbidity and Line drawing of a green sunfish low dissolved oxygen. In Oneida, green sunfish eat small fish, aquatic insects, and other invertebrates, and their large mouths allow them to eat larger prey than other sunfish can. Prepared by: Green sunfish are found in Oneida Lake and throughout New York State. While it is possible that they are native to Alexander Sonneborn Oneida, green sunfish are an invasive exotic in many places Cornell Biological Field Station and often out-compete the native bluegill.
[Show full text]
Summer Panfish Survey Summary Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, Iron County, 2010
Summer Panfish Survey Summary Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, Iron County, 2010 The Mercer DNR Fisheries Management Team conducted a fyke netting survey on the Turtle- Flambeau Flowage during June 29-30, 2010 as part of our baseline monitoring program. Nine nets were set overnight, for one night, resulting in 9 net-nights of effort. Primary target species were bluegill, black crappie, and pumpkinseed sunfish. An electrofishing survey conducted by the Mercer team in mid May documented the status of smallmouth bass (summarized in a separate survey summary) but provided a poor sample of panfish, which were not targeted specifically. We believe this netting survey provides better insight into the relative number and sizes of panfish in the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage. Quality, preferred, and memorable sizes referenced in this summary are based on standard proportions of world record lengths developed for each species by the American Fisheries Society. Black Crappie Black Crappie Summer Fyke Netting 14 12 10 8 6 4 Captured 4.2 per net-night ≥ 5” CapturedFish 2 Quality Size ≥ 8” 87% 0 Preferred Size ≥ 10” 66% 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Memorable Size ≥ 12” 13% Length (inches) Bluegill Bluegill Summer Fyke Netting 12 10 8 6 4 Captured 2.6 per net-night ≥ 3” CapturedFish 2 Quality Size ≥ 6” 87% 0 Preferred Size ≥ 8” 9% 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Length (inches) Pumpkinseed Pumpkinseed Summer Fyke Netting 5 4 3 2 Fish CapturedFish 1 Captured 1.1 per net-night ≥ 3” Quality Size ≥ 6” 60% 0 3 4 5 6 7 8 Preferred Size ≥ 8” 0% Length (inches) Summary of Results Panfish were captured at a low rate during this survey.
[Show full text]
Invasive Species of the Pacific Northwest
Invasive Species of the Pacific Northwest: Green Sunfish Lepomis cyanellus Derek Arterburn FISH 423: Olden 12.5.14 Figure 1: Adult Green sunfish Lepomis cyanellus . Photo from http://www.freshwater-fishing- news.com/fish-species-north -america/green-sunfish/ Classification Lepomis cyanellus may have a few teeth, Order: Perciformes which can be found on the tongue. Family: Centrarchidae Additional distinguishing marks are the 7-12 Genus: Lepomis parallel diffused dark bars running ventral to Species: cyanellus dorsal along the side of L. cyanellus, and the bluish-green pattern. The bluish-green Identification coloration takes place on the mainly black/dark brown/olive body, composed of Adult Green Sunfish, Lepomis ctenoid scales, which fades to a lighter cyanellus, commonly reach a total length of ventral color. The dark sides of L. cyanellus 31cm, with juveniles ranging from 12-15cm. are contrast with a yellow/cream ventral Adult Green Sunfish have been known to coloration (Cockerell 1913). The thick reach a maximum weight of one kilogram caudal peduncle is without an adipose fin, (2.2lbs). L. cyanellus is a deep bodied, and the peduncle runs to a rounded, slightly laterally compressed species, with a lateral forked, homocercal caudal fin. The paired line running from the operculum to the fins on Lepomis cyanellus are derived in caudal peduncle. The posterior of the orientation. The Green Sunfish has lateral operculum has a characteristic dark spot placement of the pectoral fins with vertical relatively the same size as the eye, and the insertion, anterior pelvic fins, and spines same size spot may also be found at the base found on the anal and dorsal fins.
[Show full text]