Blue-Spotted Sunfish

Enneacanthus gloriosus

Blue-Spotted Sunfish
Photo credit: Brian Gratwicke on Flickr

Status

Endangered

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.  

Image by Brian Gratwicke on Flickr

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. 

NOT ACHIEVING

Several Public Swimming Beaches exceeded their safe swimming standards more frequently than during their baseline time period (2016-2018).

While most beaches are routinely safe for swimming, several problematic areas such as Beachwood, Hancock, Windward, and several lake beaches need track-down studies and restoration to pinpoint and address sources of bacteria.

Acres of Approved Shellfish Waters decreased from the last report. While this decrease was small, it represents a loss of previously approved waters. Similar to public beaches, track-down studies and restoration work are needed to pinpoint and address sources of bacteria.


Blue-Spotted Sunfish
Photo credit: Brian Gratwicke on Flickr