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Return to All About Sunfish   

Redbreast Sunfish
Lepomis auritus
Common Name(s):

Redbelly, yellowbelly, sun perch
Description:

The redbreast is one of the brightest colored sunfishes. Males have yellow, orange or red breast, olive upper sides, blending into blue-tinged bronze on the lower sides and blue streaks on the cheek. Females are less colorful; their breasts are yellowish or pale red. The most distinguishing characteristic of this species is a long, narrow extension of the gill cover. These flaps, which may reach a length of one inch or more, are entirely black.
Similar Fish:

Longear, redear
Feeding Habits:

The redbreast diet is probably the most varied of any of the sunfish. The food choices include bottom-dwelling insect larvae, snails, clams, shrimp, crayfish, and small fish.
Range:

The redbreast is mainly limited to the east coast of North America, but only as far west as the Florida panhandle.

Habitat:

Redbreast sunfish inhabit sand-bottom areas as well as rocky areas of streams, rivers, and lakes. They frequently concentrate around boulders, limestone outcroppings, logs, aquatic vegetation, or in undercut tree roots.
Typical Size:

The adult redbreast grow slowly compared to other sunfish. They commonly reach 8 inches in length and weigh less than a pound. The adult redbreast grows slowly compared to other sunfish. They commonly reach 8 inches in length and weigh less than a pound. The redbreast seldom lives past 7 years of age.
World Record:

1 pound, 12 ounces (Source - IGFA)
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