Redear Sunfish (Lepomis microlophus)

Native to the Savannah River in South Carolina to Nueces River in Texas, north in Mississippi River basin to southern Indiana and Illinois. Introduced to Arizona in 1946. The "Red-ear" sunfish has a black opercle flap which is bordered with a reddish or orange color on the rear of the flap. Sides of the head have olive-brown speckling. Body is compressed or flat with an olive-green cast, light speckling on sides. Vertical bars are rarely present on the sides. Pectoral fin long and pointed usually extends far past eye when bent forward. Length: 6 to 14 inches. Weight: 3 oz. to over 3 lbs. May live to 7 years.