The Bluegill has the unenviable distinction of being stocked to serve as food for larger fishes. Widely distributed, this excellent sport and food fish is popular throughout its range as a panfish (a small fish that is easily caught and fried whole in a pan). It is a member of the spiny-rayed sunfish and bass family (Centrarchidae) and has a continuous dorsal fin and a heavy, oval-shaped body that is very compressed.
Look For: A small sunfish with a deep, compressed body. Dark spot on back of dorsal fin. Black, flexible flap on gill cover.Related Species:
Pumpkinseed
Lepomis gibbosus
Length: 13".

Habitat: Lakes, ponds, slower parts of freshwater streams.

Range: Introduced throughout U.S., southern Canada.