Physical 

Blue-spotted Sunfish is about 9.5 cm in length. It is one of the smallest fishes in its family, Centrarchidae, the Sunfishes. Its body is dark in color and covered in blue or white spots. It has a single dorsal fin and three anal fins, which all contain spines, as well as a rounded caudal (tail) fin.  

Habitat

Found in calm and secluded areas of freshwater ponds, lakes, creeks, streams and medium-sized rivers where there is dense submerged aquatic vegetation and tree roots. In coastal areas it tolerates brackish water and can be found in estuaries. Its range runs along the east coast from southern New York to Alabama. 

Feeding 

This planktivorous species displays a crepuscular feeding pattern; active predominantly during the evening. It eats a wide variety of plankton including water fleas, midge and mosquito larvae, tiny crustaceans, and snails.