Sunfish

The “long ear” of this fish is actually an elongated gill cover or opercular flap.  The males with the longest flaps are dominant and the females are more attracted to them.  Males will flare these flaps to scare off a potential rival thereby avoiding a physical fight.

The longear prefers clear water with sand or gravel bottom.  Their numbers are decreased in areas of turbidity.

HABITATStreams, rivers, reservoirs, lakes
DIETInvertebrates and small fish
LIFE Expectancy4-6 years