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BLUEGILL Scientifi c name: Lepomis macrochirus From the Greek, lepomis means "scaled gill cover" and macrochirus means "large hand," in reference to its body shape and size. See Chapter 6 – Fish Anatomy for defi nitions of body parts. Average size: 6-9 inches, but rarely more than 8 inches in most Nebraska reservoirs. A 10-inch (or 1 pound) bluegill is considered a "master angler" catch in Nebraska. The state record bluegill weighed 2 pounds, 13 ounces. (The United States record is 4 pounds, 12 ounces. This record came from the southern United States, where year-round warm water conditions allow fi sh more opportunity to grow.) Habitat: Warm-water species. Prefers clear water. A bluegill's primary diet is aquatic insects that are often found in submerged vegetation. Therefore, clear water that can support plant life is important to this species. Submerged vegetation also provides cover for bluegills to hide from predators. Diet: Aquatic insects and aquatic nymphs of terrestrial insects (example: caddisfl y, dragonfl y, mayfl y, damselfl y); also will prey on small fi sh, crayfi sh, snails. Activity: During daylight, sunfi sh are fairly sedentary and spend much of their time hovering quietly near submerged cover or in the shade of a tree or structure. In mid-day found in deeper water or in shade of overhanging trees or under docks. Identifying characteristics: ● Deep bodied (body depth is less than three times the length of the body). ● Small mouth (mouth does not extend back to the eye). ● Dark spot near the base of the soft dorsal fi n. Dark spot CHAPTER 5 IDENTIFICATION AND LIFE HISTORY KNOW YOUR FISH Nebraska is home to more than 100 fi sh species. Many of these species will never be encountered on a fi shing hook because their size, habits or habitats make them unavailable or undesirable to anglers. Most fi sh that can be caught by hook-and-line are designated as sport fi sh species. Nebraska offers excellent fi shing opportunities for nearly 40 sport fi sh ranging from bluegill to walleye. This section covers a variety of species that are commonly caught when fi shing from shore and are good targets for new anglers. To locate places to fi sh for these species, refer to the Fishing Guide and look for water bodies designated as "Family Friendly Lakes." For a more complete representaƟ on of Nebraska fi sh species, request a copy of the Common Fishes of Nebraska pocket guide or visit the interacƟ ve fi sh idenƟ fi caƟ on tool at hƩ p:// outdoornebraska.ne.gov/Fishing/guides/idenƟ fi caƟ on/ default.asp. FISH SPECIES ARTWORK BY JOSEPH TOMELLERI 25 CHAPTER 5 ● IDENTIFICATION AND LIFE HISTORY