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Red-ear Sunfish

Size: 
2-6 inches

Red Ear Sunfish, Native to the Gulf Coast states, stocked in most of the central United States Size: A large sunfish, averaging 8-10 inches and a weight of up to 5 pounds, It is a popular fish to stock because of its large size and rapid growth rate. Description: Adult Red-ear is most easily recognized by their small mouths, long attenuated pectoral fins, and the reddish border of their "ear" flaps. The male is more brightly colored than the female. Red-ear is most at home at 5-10 feet of water and typically lives near the bottom of lakes and ponds.

Feeding Habits: 
Red-ear feed on snails. They use the flattened "throat teeth" to crush the shells of snails and freshwater clams. Because they can crush shells as they do, they have earned the nickname of shell cracker. Newly hatched Red-ear eat algae and micro crustaceans, mature fish eat plankton, insects, snails, and an occasional small fish.
Delivery Details: 
Spawning: Red-ear spawn May through September. Some individuals spawn several times each year. They begin spawning in the spring when the water temperature nears 75 degrees.

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