Pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus
This species was found at 15 bioassessment sites, 0 rapid fish bioassessment sites, 3 fisheries assessment sites, and 1 fisheries presence-only assessment site. In total, it was collected at 19 distinct sites, or 1.3% of the 1442 total sites monitored by the bioassessment program. It is the 91st most commonly collected species.
The Pumpkinseed was collected in 21 bioassessment sampling sessions and 4 fisheries assessment sessions. It was present in 0 rapid bioassessment sessions and 1 presence-only session.
The biological assessment program has collected a total of 62 individual Pumpkinseed specimens, ranking it the #102 most collected fish.
A deep-bodied, slab-sided sunfish with a very small mouth, and the upper jaw does not reach the front margin of the eye when the mouth is closed. The spiny dorsal fin has 10 or 11 spines and is broadly connected to the soft dorsal fin. The pectoral fins are elongated and pointed, reaching entirely across the eye when the fins are bent into a forward position. This fish is pale olive with purplish horizontal bars on the sides. The gill cover is small with a light-colored margin and generally has a bright red semi-circular spot with 6 or more wavy emerald bars interspaced with gold or copper on the cheeks. The Pumpkinseed is one of the most colorful sunfish and often hybridize with Bluegill and Green Sunfish, making specific identification difficult and sometimes inaccurate.
HUC12 watersheds where this species has been found