Redear Sunfish
Lepomis microlophus
A deep-bodied native sunfish called shellcracker for its strong teeth and appetite for snails.
Redear Sunfish live in warm lakes, ponds, canals, and slow rivers with vegetation and firm bottom areas. They often feed deeper than Bluegill.
Specialized crushing teeth in the throat help them break snail and mussel shells. Anglers value the species for strong fights and good table quality.
Habitat:
Lakes and Ponds, Rivers and Springs, Canals and Ditches
Area / Range:
Statewide
Diet:
Feeds heavily on snails and small mussels, along with insect larvae, small crustaceans, and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates.
Behavior:
Forages near the bottom and around vegetation. Adults gather in shallow colonies to build and defend circular nests during warm-season spawning.
Daytime, Dawn and Dusk
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Warm months around vegetated lake margins, shell beds, canals, and slow river sections.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Not federally or state listed; common freshwater sport fish.
Safety Level:
Low. Sharp Spines
Safety Information:
Handle carefully because dorsal and anal fin spines are sharp. Follow safe fish-handling and food-preparation practices.
Benefits to Property:
Helps regulate snails and other aquatic invertebrates and supports balanced pond and lake food webs.
Property Concerns:
Overstocking small ponds can create competition and poor growth. Aquatic habitat changes and low oxygen harm populations.
Fun Fact:
- The species is widely called shellcracker.
- Throat teeth crush hard snail shells.
- Males develop the brightest red ear-flap margin.
Wildlife Laws:
Fishing, harvest, transport, and possession follow current Florida freshwater fishing regulations, license requirements, bag limits, and site-specific rules.
Identification:
Deep compressed body with olive-gold sides, faint bars, and a dark ear flap edged in red or orange in males and lighter orange in females.