| Bluespotted sunfish | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Centrarchiformes |
| Family: | Centrarchidae |
| Genus: | Enneacanthus |
| Species: | E. gloriosus |
| Binomial name | |
| Enneacanthus gloriosus (Holbrook, 1855) | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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Thebluespotted sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus) is a species offish in the familyCentrarchidae, the sunfishes. It is native to the southeastern and easternUnited States, its distribution extending as far north asNew Jersey,Pennsylvania, and far southernNew York.[1][3] It is native throughout most of its range, but some populations representintroductions, such as those inLake Ontario and the upperSusquehanna River system.[4]
In many areas, this fish issympatric with a closely related member of its genus, thebanded sunfish (E. obesus). The two species are hard to tell apart. They are known tohybridize.[5]
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This fish reaches about 9.5 centimetres (3.7 in) in maximum length.[6] It is one of the smallest fish in its family.[7] It has spines in its dorsal and anal fins. Its tail fin is rounded in outline. Its body is covered in white or blue dots.[6] Some individuals haveiridescent spots.[5] There may be a few pale bars on its sides,[6] but these are rare, especially in adults.[5]
A number of parasiticflatworms have been observed in this fish, such asGyrodactylus gloriosi and severalUrocleidus species.[8]
Several aspects of the life history of the fish vary geographically. Fish on the East Coast and inFlorida are larger than individuals inMississippi, for example. The fish becomes sexually mature at larger sizes in more northern latitudes. This may be because fish in milder climates can begin reproductive investment earlier, putting their energy intogonadal growth instead of body growth at younger ages. Fish in the east can reach a maximum age around 5 years, but fish in the south generally do not reach that age. Thespawning season is also much longer in southern regions, probably because of warmer temperatures and longerphotoperiod.[9]
This freshwater fish occupies ponds, lakes, creeks, streams, and medium-sized rivers. It can tolerate slightlybrackish water in areas near the coast. It thrives in small backwaters filled with vegetation and tree roots.[1][3]
This species is sometimes kept as anaquarium pet.[6][10]
The fish spawns several times in a season, sometimes daily for a long period of time.[9] The male builds a nest in the substrate or in plant matter.[1] Clutch sizes of 42 to 216 have been observed.[9]
The diet of the fish is rich inplankton. It consumescyclopoid copepods,water fleas,midge larvae,ostracods,[6]amphipods, andsnails.[10] Its preference for tiny aquatic larvae makes it a suitablemosquito control agent.[11]
