View Full Version : Redbreast Sunfish
Lepomis auritus (I think.)
Does anyone have more information on these? we have some in a local pond/lake and id like to own some, they loook pretty.
Unfortunatly, i think id have to buy some online, if i was to be able to harbor them.
Questions:
1) How big do they get?
2) What would be the optimal tank size for them?
3) Im pretty sure they come from florida... Are they brakcish, or fresh?
Thank you!
Gambusia
03-23-2005, 8:56 AM
I catch redbreast sunfish fairly reguarly fishing where I live in North Carolina.
I even tried to keep one but the smallmouth bass killed him (it was super dumb to add a "robin" and a "bronzeback" into the tank at the same time. In the wild they are enemies).
They require no heater.
A large redbreast, aka "robin", will be about 9 or 10 inches.
Some southern specimens get to 1 1/2 pounds but rarely!
They eat all kinds of stuff- crickets, pellets, worms, guppies just like any sunfish.
Provide some plants, rocks and brush in your tank for cover.
Very beautiful and interesting fish!
Gambusia
03-23-2005, 8:58 AM
A tank of at least 30 gallons is appropriate for a large adult sunfish.
Since they are predators they will eat any smallish fish you put in there with them or try to.
Edited to add: I'm currently keeping a longear sunfish in my 75 gallon.
jiggerpolebill
03-23-2005, 8:24 PM
longeared sunfish are beautiful. IMO they're as attractive as any tropical saltwater species. how big is your smallie? i take it he's pretty much the dominate fish of your big tank, if he even shares it with anything at all?
Gambusia
03-23-2005, 9:58 PM
She died about 3 years ago.
ok, thank you all for your answers! its all i needed