Longear Sunfish

Lepomis megalotis

Classification

Conservation Status

  • Longear Sunfish get their name from an operculum flap on the side of their head that looks like an ear. 
  • Longear sunfish are typically about 3 inches long and 1 lbs and can live up to 6 years. 
  • The species prefers moving streams and rivers to still water and shelters amongst roots, woody debris, and undercut banks. 
  • The destruction of riparian vegetation and the removal of naturally occurring levels of instream brush eliminates habitat Longear Sunfish and other species need to hide from predators.