Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus
This deep bodied, laterally compressed fish is slightly larger than its close relative the pumpkinseed, with an average length of 180mm to 250mm. Bluegill look very similar to Pumpkinseed; however they generally are more of a green/olive colour. The most consistent distinguishing features between bluegill and pumpkinseed include the presence of a black spot on the dorsal fin and a lack of colour the trailing edge of the gill flap of the bluegill(pumpkinseed have red coloration on the trailing edge of the gill flap and no dorsal spot).
Bluegill are primarily distributed throughout southern and eastern Ontario and prefer shallow, weedy lakes and rivers. They prey on a wide range of aquatic insects, snails and other smaller fish. Bluegill have also been know to feed on aquatic plants such as Chara, during the fall when insect numbers decline. Sexual maturity is usually reached by age 2 with a life span of up to 10 years. Spawning takes place in the late spring to mid summer when water temperatures have risen above 10 degrees C. Males move into shallow water areas and clear a circular depression (nest) down to a firm bottom. Nest building is colonial in nature with a number of different males creating nests in close proximity to each other. The same nest may be used by more than one male and female over an extended spawning period. Females are very prolific and can produce as many as 40000 eggs. Males aggressively guard the nest until the eggs hatch (3 to 5 days) and continue to guard the young fry for a short period afterwards.
Bluegill are one of the most common forage species stocked in largemouth bass ponds, with each species controlling the population of the other. They are ideally suited for pond environments and can quickly over populate if appropriate control measures are not implemented. They provide great sport on light fishing tackle, particularly for children and are also excellent for eating.