Bluegill

Bluegill are characterized by their deep, flattened, laterally compressed bodies.

The bluegill is noted for the dark spot that it has on the posterior part of its dorsal fin. The sides of its head and chin are a dark shade of blue. It usually contains 5-9 vertical bars on the sides of its body, but these stripes aren't aways distinct. It has a yellowish breast and abdomen, with the breast of the breeding male being a bright orange. The bluegill has three anal spines, ten to twelve anal fin rays, six to thirteen dorsal fin spines, eleven to twelve dorsal rays, and twelve to thirteen pectoral rays.

The bluegill occurs naturally in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains from coastal Virginia to Florida, west to Texas and northern Mexico, and north from western Minnesota to western New York. Today they have been transported everywhere else in North America. It has also been introduced into Europe, South Africa, Asia, South America, and Oceania. Bluegill have also been found in the Chesapeake Bay indicating that they can tolerate up to 18% salinity. In some locations where it has been transplanted, it is considered a pest: trade in the species is prohibited in Germany and Japan.

Shallow Waters

Bluegill live in the shallow waters of many lakes and ponds, along with slow-moving areas of streams and small rivers. They prefer water with many aquatic plants, and hide within fallen logs or water weeds. They can often be found around weed beds, where they search for food or spawn.

Young bluegills' diet consists of rotifers and waterfleas. The adult diet consists of aquatic insect larvae (mayflies, caddisflies, dragonflies) but can also include crayfish, leeches, snails, and other small fish. Their diet can also include the waxworm and nightcrawler that can be provided for them by anglers. If food is scarce, bluegill will also feed on aquatic vegetation, and if scarce enough, will even feed on their own eggs or offspring. As bluegill spend a great deal of time near the surface of water, they can also feed on popping bugs and dry flies.