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Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque, 1819
Bluegill
Family: Centrarchidae
Introduction to the Fish

Photograph

© Diane Williamson     (Photo ID #6862)

Map


Click on the map to view a larger version.
Source: Distribution map provided by Don McPhail for E-Fauna BC

Species Information

A dark blue or black "ear" on an extension of the gill cover called the opercular flap; a prominent dark blotch at the base of the dorsal fin, close to the tail; typically olive-green backs, with a blue or purplish sheen along the sides; faint vertical bars may be present along the sides; breeding males may have more blue and orange coloration on their flanks (Ref. 44091).

Source: FishBase. Page, L.M. and B.M. Burr 1991 A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 432 p.

Biology

Species Biology

Found frequently in lakes, ponds, reservoirs and sluggish streams (Ref. 5723, 10294); occur primarily in reservoirs in Hawaii; preferably live in deep weed beds (Ref. 5723). Active mainly during dusk and dawn. Adults feed upon snails, small crayfish, insects, worms and small minnows (Ref. 5723). Young feed on crustaceans, insects and worms (Ref. 5723, 10294).

Source: FishBase. Page, L.M. and B.M. Burr 1991 A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 432 p.

Distribution

BC Distribution and Notes

The bluegill is another eastern North American species. It is a relatively new introduction into B.C. waters and it is too early to assess their impact on native species. So far, they are confined to the south Okanagan, and the only conservation concern is keeping them from spreading to other drainage systems. Still, except for competitive interactions with native planktivorous species, they probably are not a serious threat to our aquatic biodiversity.

Source: Information provided by Don McPhail for E-Fauna BC.
Global Distribution

North America: St. Lawrence - Great Lakes and Mississippi river basin; from Quebec to northern Mexico. Widely introduced. Trade restricted in Germany (Anl.3 BArtSchV). Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction.

Source: FishBase. Page, L.M. and B.M. Burr 1991 A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 432 p.
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Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)		COSEWIC
ExoticSNAExoticNot Listed



BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

Additional Range and Status Information Links

NatureServe Explorer
 University of Alaska Museum

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