Other names: Shellcracker, Georgia bream, Cherry gill, Chinquapin, Improved bream
The redear sunfish, Lepomis microlophus, is a popular freshwater fish known for its distinct red or orange ear flap and its preference for snails as a primary food source. Commonly found in warm, slow-moving waters, it is a favorite among anglers due to its size and strong fight. Often called "shellcracker" for its snail-eating habits, the redear sunfish thrives in ponds, lakes, and reservoirs, where it plays a vital role in controlling snail populations.
Other names
Shellcracker, Georgia bream, Cherry gill, Chinquapin, Improved bream
Length
~20" (max 43)
Weight
~0.5" (max 1)
Water
Fresh
Water Temp
15-20° F
Depth
3 ft
Berkley Gulp! Alive! Crawler
Berkley Gulp! Alive! Leech
Blue Fox Flash Spinner
Bread
Clams
Corn
Crayfish
Crickets
Crickets & Grasshoppers
CrustaceansRedear sunfish prefer warm, calm waters with abundant vegetation, typically found in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers
They are often found near the bottom in areas with sandy or muddy substrates, where they forage for food
Their diet is unique among sunfish, focusing heavily on snails and other mollusks, which they crush with specialized teeth
These fish are usually located in deeper waters compared to other sunfish, especially during the warmer months
Redear sunfish spawn in late spring to early summer when water temperatures are warm, building nests in shallow waters with sandy or muddy bottoms
Males create and defend nests, attracting females to lay eggs, which they then fertilize and protect
After hatching, the fry remain in the shallow nesting areas until they are large enough to venture into deeper waters
Juveniles gradually move to deeper areas as they grow, adopting a diet similar to that of the adults, focusing on small invertebrates and mollusks
