Sunfishes belong to the most colourful species of coldwater fish. The most widespread species in the hobby is Lepomis gibbosus, but the genus comprises not less than 12 species.
Lepomis megalotis is native from NE-Mexico to the Great Lakes in the US and is additionally introduced in many countries. Up to six subspecies have been described within this large area, but as in so many other common species there is almost no scientific research and so the systematics of the species are only poorly understood.
The preferred habitat are clear waters with sandy and rocky bottom and submerse vegetation. The largest specimen recorded was 24 cm long, but the common length is around 11 cm.
Males grow to a bigger size than females, have larger “ears” (these flaps are extensions of the operculum) and hardly show a pattern of vertical bars, which can be recognized in females (depending on mood more or less visible).
The Longear sunfish may be quite rough in small tanks, a behaviour that can be found in many cichlids as well. The fish feed readly on frozen and live food, but dried food is most often refused. The water temperature may be beween 10 and 24°C. If the keeper wants to breed with the fish, it is necessary to hibernate them at low temperatures and (this is by far more important) lighting periods of less than 8 hours per day.
For our customers: the fish have code 883203 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Lexicon: Lepomis: ancient Greek, means “with scales on the operculum”. megalotis: ancient Greek, means ” with a great ear”.
Common name: Longear sunfish
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
| Angaben zum Tier | |
|---|---|
| Herkunft | Taiwan |
| Verfügbare Größe in cm | 6-8 |
