The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Sunfishes

Flier, Centrarchus macropterus

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Very compressed body
ï¿½	Supraterminal mouth
ï¿½	Ctenoid scales
ï¿½	Large dorsal and anal fin
ï¿½	Long, pointed pectoral fin
ï¿½	Slightly notched tail fin
ï¿½	Many spines on anal fin
ï¿½	Large eye with a vertical black bar through it
ï¿½	Black spot below the eye
ï¿½	Black spots on body
ï¿½	Black opercular spot
ï¿½	Olive-brown body, pale spots and streaks in fins

Similar species: 
ï¿½	White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) 

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 70-190 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Sluggish channels, backwaters, and pools in streams, and ponds

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Native to the Rappahannock, York, James, Chowan, and Roanoke drainages and the Dismal Swamp

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Insects, fish, algae, and small crustaceans

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature at 70-75 mm 
ï¿½	Group spawning occurs from March to May at 14-17ï¿½C
ï¿½	Fecundity is 1,900-37,500 eggs per female
ï¿½	Naturally hybridize with white crappie

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Good to eat, fun to catch

References:       

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

If you are seeking more information for the above species click on the VAFWIS logo (The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service):