Science Name: | Lepomis megalotis |
Other Names: | Red-bellied bream, red perch, blackear and bream |
Ideal Temp: | 75 to 80 |
Subspecies Two are recognized. The central longear (Lepomis megalotis megalotis) has a very long gill-cover lobe that is almost horizontal. The margin of the lobe sometimes has several small, reddish spots. This subspecies reaches a maximum size of about 9 inches. Central longears are the predominant subspecies, and are found throughout most of the longear sunfish range.
The northern longear (Lepomis megalotispeltastes) has a shorter gill-cover lobe that extends upward at a 45-degree angle. The margin of the lobe often has a single red or orange spot. This subspecies grows to a maximum size of about 5 inches. Northern longears are found in the southern Great Lakes and connecting waters.
Hybrids Hybridizes with redear and green sun- fish, and with bluegill and pumpkinseed.
Table Quality The white, flaky, sweet-tasting meat is considered excellent eating.
Sporting Qualities Small but feisty, the longear is usually caught on natural baits such as worms, - crickets, minnows and small crayfish. It will also strike small flies and spinners.
Habitat Longear are most common in clear, shallow, slow-moving strams with moderate vegetation and a sand, gravel or rubble bottom. They are occasionally found in warm water lakes, reservoirs and ponds. They prefer water from 75 to 80F, but can survive at temperatures up to 100.
Food Habits Longears feed mainly on immature aquatic insects, worms, crayfish and fish eggs. They sometimes take adult insects on the surface.
Spawning Habits Spawn in summer, normally at water temperatures from 70 to 74 but some- times as high as 85. Males build nests over a gravel bottom, often in colonies. After spawning, males guard the nests until the fry disperse.
Age and Growth The maximum age is 9 years, but few live beyond age 6. The relatively short life span and slow growth rate account for the longearâ??s small size.
Tips for Fishing