Redbreast Sunfish

TYPO

TYPO

AC Members
Apr 1, 2004
335
0
16
Seattle, WA
Visit site
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!
 
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!
 
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.
 
Last edited:
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?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom