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GREEN SUNFISH Scientifi c name: Lepomis cyanellus From the Greek, lepomis means "scaled gill cover" and cyanellus means "blue" in reference to the blue streaks on the gill cover of this species. Average size: 6-8 inches. The Nebraska state record is 1 pound, 8 ounces. A master angler is 1 pound or 10 inches. Habitat: ● Found throughout the state in streams, rivers, ponds, and reservoirs. ● Can tolerate turbidity (murky water), low oxygen levels, and high temperatures. Diet: Eats small fi sh and crayfi sh as well as aquatic insects. on the ear fl ap of the operculum. ● Typically has verƟ cal bars on sides of body. ● Olive-green with emerald and brassy refl ecƟ ons. ● Breast and belly yellow or reddish orange, especially in breeding males. ● Spiny and soŌ dorsal fi ns are broadly connected and can appear to be one fi n. Interesting facts: ● One of the most important prey fi sh (food for other fi sh) species in Nebraska's fl ood control reservoirs. ● Can spawn (reproduce) multiple times during the summer months. ● Can lay 10,000-60,000 eggs per spawn. ● Males create nests in groups. They sweep out circular depressions in the substrate of shallow water (1-4 feet), and care for and protect the eggs until they hatch. ● Growth is very dependent on water temperature and subsequent food availability (for example, bluegill in Florida can grow 4 inches in the fi rst year, while bluegill in Wisconsin may only reach 1.5 inches in same time). ● When food is abundant, a bluegill can consume one-third of its body weight every week. Fishing tips: Still-fi sh with a worm or kernels of canned corn under a bobber or use a slow retrieve with small jigs or spinners. Activity: daylight, similar to bluegill. Identifying characteristics: ● Thick bodied and not as slab sided as bluegill (longer than round). ● Blue streaks on the sides of the head. ● Ear fl ap has orange/yellow tip. ● Mouth is larger than a bluegill's (the edge of the mouth reaches the front of the eye). ● Fins are tipped in yellow. Interesting facts: ● Hybridization between bluegill and green sunfi sh is common. Fishing tips: Similar to bluegill, often found in large rocks near shore. PHOTO BY JULIE GEISER, NEBRASKALAND MAGAZINE 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 CHAPTER 5 ● IDENTIFICATION AND LIFE HISTORY