Banded sunfish
| Banded sunfish | |
|---|---|
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| Banded sunfish at the New England Aquarium | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Centrarchidae |
| Genus: | Enneacanthus |
| Species: | E. obesus |
| Binomial name | |
| Enneacanthus obesus (S. F. Baird, 1855) | |
The banded sunfish (Enneacanthus obesus) is a freshwater fish of the family, Centrarchidae. They can grow to 2–3 in long.
Description
The banded sunfish is similar to the black-banded sunfish and has a very compressed and deep body. Its sides are iridescent and dark colored. There are dark bands on its side and nuptial males and females will develop blue specks on their bodies. Its mouth is upturned and its pectoral and tail fins are rounded. It will grow to an approximate length of 9.5 cm.
Habitat
The banded sunfish can be found in the Atlantic coastal region from New Hampshire south to central Florida. It is found in small ponds and backwaters of creeks to small and large rivers and boggy brooks over sand or mud in sluggish, acidic, heavily vegetated waters.
Diet
The banded sunfish feeds upon aquatic insects, microcrustaceans, and small fish.
Reproduction
Spawning occurs from April through July. They can spawn when they become one year old. The male will construct a sand or gravel nest where the eggs are laid.
Status
The banded sunfish is currently endangered in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. It is globally stable, though.