Oklahoma Record: 2lbs
7oz.
World Record:
2lbs. 2oz. (from the
National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame's records)
l
Description: The large bass-like mouth
of the stocky little green sunfish is one of the best ways to identify
this species, together with a definite greenish body color and an absence
of teeth on the tongue. Additional points of identity are: a black spot
on the gill cover, faint vertical body bars, irregular emerald-blue cheek
lines and yellowish fin margins. (From ODWC Fishes of Oklahoma booklet).
Other Names: goggle-eye and bream.
Subspecies: Unknown
Range: Probably the most common sunfish
species in the state, the green sunfish can be found in a wide variety of
habitats, including ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, and small creeks.
Habitat: Green sunfish are very adaptable and can tolerate
a wide range of ecological conditions. They are among the first species
that will establish themselves in new ponds or other situations where the
original fish species assemblage has been killed or removed. They prefer
shallow water areas with some kind of structure such as weed beds, rocks
or logs
Spawning Habits: Similar to other
members of the sunfish family, this species will spawn throughout the
summer, and nests may be in colonies. A male builds the nest by fanning
out a small depression in the bottom near the shoreline. Eggs are then
deposited by the female and fertilized, then she is driven from the nest.
Parental care is given by the male during incubation. A large female can
produce up to 10,000 eggs per season. (From ODWC Fishes of Oklahoma
booklet)
Feeding Habits:
Adult Green sunfish
feed mainly on plankton, insects, crayfish, worms and small fish. (From
ODWC Fishes of Oklahoma booklet)
Growth: Very little information is available on age and
growth. A four year old fish average about six inches long.
Sporting Quality: : Green sunfish are
taken on spinning or fly tackle and constitute an important fishery in
the clear creeks and streams of eastern Oklahoma. Although prominent in
clear waters, this species tolerates murky water. It is one of the few
panfish that can be taken on spinners, spoons and surfave plugs due to
its large mouth. A scrappy fighter when hooked, the green sunfish may
weigh up to two pounds. (From ODWC Fishes of Oklahoma booklet)
Eating Quality: The flesh is excellent.
Preparation is the same as other sunfish.
Information Supplied by:
Danny Bowen
odwccr@okplus.com
ODWC-Central Region- Fisheries
Thanks Danny!
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