Blackbanded Sunfish,  Enneacanthus chaetodon

 
Physical Description: 

�	Very compressed, deep body
�	Small, terminal mouth
�	Thin, somewhat pointed pectoral fin
�	Rounded tail fin
�	Medium-sized eye
�	Black, vertical bars on side of body
�	Black opercular spot 
�	Brown-red anal fin
�	Dorsal, anal, and tail fins pale with dark spots
�	Side of body mostly white 

Similar species: 

�	Banded sunfish (Enneacanthus obesus) 

Mean body size:

�	Adults are 30-60 mm standard length 

Habitat:

�	Vegetated swamps, ponds, and pools in rivers

Distribution in VA:

�	Known only in the Nottoway and Blackwater rivers in the Chowan drainage

Food Habits:  

�	Invertebrates 

Reproductive Habits: 

�	Life span is about 3-4 years
�	Spawning occurs mid- to late spring, water at 20-23�C
�	Nests in shallow water
�	Fecundity is about 233-920 eggs per female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 

�	Endangered status in Virginia  
�	Commercially bred as aquarium fish and illegally sold

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

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