Red breasted Sunfish are native to fresh water in east-central North America. This heavy bodied member of the sunfish family can be readily distinguished from other similar species by the six spines in the anal fin (other typical sunfishes have only three anal fin spines). These fish are a commercial species in the Great Lakes and are also an important sport fish. They are lively fighters when hooked, and their flesh is firm and delectable.

 Spawning takes place in late spring and when water temperatures reach 55 to 60 degrees F. Like other members of the sunfish family, the male digs a nest in the lake shallows, and guards it tenaciously. A spawning area may be heavily used with several nests very close together. As a result, males can become quite aggressive as they attempt to defend territory and attract and hold females. The male guards and fans the eggs, and later broods the young for a short time. Red breasted Sunfish grow quickly and adults weigh an average of 4 to 8 ounces. An average length is six to eight inches although some Red breasted Sunfish reach 12 inches. Few Red breasted Sunfish live beyond 10 to 12 years.

COMMON NAMES: Redear sunfish, Shellcracker, Stumpknocker

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Lepomis microlophus

IDENTIFICATION: Redear are a deep, slab-sided fish similar to the bluegill, except the ear flap is black with a red or orange margin; black blotch at the base of the dorsal fin is absent.

RANGE AND HABITAT: Redear sunfish are not native to Michigan, but have been stocked in state waters since 1931. This species thrives in clear, warm impoundments with rooted vegetation. Redear sunfish are attracted to submerged vegetation and trees, hence the name "stumpknocker." Following spawning, redear tend to move offshore to deeper water.

LIFE HISTORY: Redear sunfish, like most other sunfish, are communal nest spawners. Spawning normally occurs in May or June, and the male guards the nest until the eggs hatch. Following spawning, redear sunfish move to deeper water for the summer months. The preferred diet for redear sunfish is snails. They use specially modified teeth in the throat that allow them to crush mollusk shells and extract snails.

ADULT SIZE: In well managed waters with good habitat, redear sunfish will reach 9 to 11 inches in length. The state record redear weighed 3 pounds and 1 ounce, and was 13.25 inches in length.