Sunfish of the Genus Lepomis in the Home Aquarium
Although more often stocked as pond animals, fish of the family Centrarchidae (known as sunfish) can make very rewarding pets in the home aquarium. In many ways they are the North American equivalent to the cichlids, especially the Central American cichlids. Of particular note are the fish of the genus Lepomis, which contains some of the smaller, more colorful, and more outgoing sunfish.
Species
There are a total of 13 known species of Lepomis:
- Lepomis auritus (redbreast sunfish)
[pictured]
- Lepomis cyanellus (green sunfish)
- Lepomis gibbosus (pumpkinseed)
- Lepomis gulosus (warmouth)
- Lepomis humilis (orangespotted sunfish)
- Lepomis macrochirus (bluegill)
- Lepomis marginatus (dollar sunfish)
- Lepomis megalotis (longear sunfish)
- Lepomis microlophus (redear sunfish)
- Lepomis miniatus (redspotted sunfish)
- Lepomis peltastes (northern sunfish)
- Lepomis punctatus (spotted sunfish)
- Lepomis symmetricus (bantam sunfish)
None of these are widely sold in the aquarium fish trade, unfortunately. Specimens can be purchased through pond stocking websites or can be manually collected in local ponds. Nets/seines and hook/line are both effective ways of catching these fish. However, you should always check local laws regarding native fish prior to the collection process.
Conservation Status
All species of Lepomis sunfish are considered to be stable, with an IUCN status of Least Concern.
Distribution
The Native Range of Lepomis, like all Centrarchids, is North America; from as far north as Quebec, Canada to southernmost Texas and Florida. Though originally confined to the eastern side of the Continent, Lepomis have since been introduced all over North America. Certain species have also established feral populations in Europe, Asia, South Africa, South America, and Oceania and are considered pest species.
Description
The majority of the Lepomis species get to be about 8-12 inches maximum, with an average length of 6-8 inches more common. Two species, the Bluegill and the Redear Sunfish, both grow over 16 inches and particularly large specimens may be too large to keep in anything less than 200+ gallon aquariums comfortably. A few species are fairly reasonably sized aquarium fish; the Dollar Sunfish, Bantam Sunfish, and Northern Sunfish stay fairly small for centrarchids and do not exceed 5 inches in length.
Centrarchids typically act in a manner similar to cichlids. Although some species are found in schools in the wild, even occasionally in mixed species groups, within the confines of the aquarium centrarchids are territorial and may not tolerate similar fish in their vicinity. Of course, some species are much more aggressive, like the Longear Sunfish, and others relatively placid, like the Orangespotted Sunfish. Members of all species will rearrange the substrate as seen fit and will uproot and shred plants in the aquarium.
Feeding
Lepomis species are carnivores and should be fed meaty foods at least on occasion. Brine and mysis shrimp for smaller specimens, earthworms, chopped fish and shellfish, krill, and shrimp are all good items to include on a regular basis. Any smaller snails or shrimps in the aquarium are likely to be eaten as well. Lepomis are not picky eaters though and quickly acclimate to dried foods. A good quality pellet, especially those made for cichlids or for pond fish, make the best staple diet for these fish.
Water Quality
Lepomis species are very much like cool water to subtropical Central American cichlids in terms of water quality preferences. Alkaline (pH 7+), Moderately hard water (10+ dH) at around room temperature (60-70 F) seem to be appreciated by all species, though they certainly can tolerate higher temperatures for extended periods of time.
As with many large fish, centrarchids are messy and require high levels of filtration in order to maintain good health. A good target for filter turnover is between 6-10 times the tank volume per hour. That said, Lepomis are anything if not hardy, and can tolerate water outside of their preferences for extended periods of time. Certainly not an excuse not to keep up on water changes, though!
Brackish Suitability
Although freshwater fish, a majority of the Lepomis species are found in brackish water throughout their known ranges. Most seem to tolerate around 1.000-1.005 for the long term, though can be occasionally found in much higher specific gravity than this. The Redspotted Sunfish, for example, has been found in waters as high as 1.015 and the Bantam Sunfish in 1.014. None seem to need brackish water to ensure long term health and are perhaps best kept in fresh water.
Not all Lepomis species tolerate salt indefinitely, however. Both the Green Sunfish and the Warmouth have a tolerance limit closer to 1.003 and no data was found to suggest that the Longear Sunfish or Northern Sunfish will adapt to brackish conditions.
Tank Size
As with the majority of aquarium fish, “the bigger, the better”. Groups of some of the larger and/or more aggressive species should only be attempted in larger volumes (100+ gallons) which may still be cramped for the few species which can attain over a foot in length (which do better in 200+ gallon systems). Smaller species could be kept singularly in tanks around 30-40 gallons, and 55 gallons and up make suitable homes for small groups of these fish.
Breeding
Lepomis species dig pits when preparing for mating, however in a manner differently from the pit-spawning cichlids. The males create the breeding sites, digging pits with their tails as opposed to their mouths. As can be expected, these fish can become incredibly aggressive during breeding times and any aquarist who intends to spawn fish (or keep them in groups… a large enough group will eventually result in breeding pairs) should keep these fish in their own aquariums with plenty of hiding places to allow the female(s) to break line of sight with the males. Due to their tendency to dig, plants may become uprooted or shredded during breeding times.
Final Thoughts
Hardy, attractive, and full of personality, Lepomis sunfish can be very rewarding fish for those who want a change of pace from the common cichlids sold in fish stores (but are used to rough and tumble systems). Although they need big systems and can be aggressive, they certainly make suitable fish tank inhabitants for those who are prepared to care for them.
Sources
North American Fishes for the Home Aquarium, David M. Schlesser
Our Native Fishes, John R. Quinn
Field Guide to Fishes of the Chesapeake Bay, Edward O. Murdy, John A. Musick
Subject: Green Sunfish, U.S Department of Agriculture
The Ecology of the Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus) as an Invasive species, Miguel West
Environmental Evaluations for the development of minimum flows and levels for the St. Johns River near DeLand at State Road 44, Volusia County, Environmental Consulting and Technology, Inc.
Bantam Sunfish Lepomis symmetricus, Fishes of Texas
Competitive Interactions between Invasive Nile Tilapia and Native Fish: The Potential for Altered Trophic Exchange and Modification of Food Webs, Charles W. Martin
(Image Source: Me!)
