The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Sunfishes

Mud Sunfish, Acantharchus pomotis

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Compressed, stocky body
ï¿½	Large, terminal mouth
ï¿½	Cycloid scales
ï¿½	Rounded pectoral fin
ï¿½	Rounded tail fin
ï¿½	Large eye
ï¿½	Dark brown to black body
ï¿½	Brown-black opercular spot
ï¿½	Dark horizontal bars on cheeks
ï¿½	Dark mottling and stripes on body

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) 

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 100-170 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Nocturnal, mud-loving, sedentary 
ï¿½	Sluggish pools, swamps, and ponds with plants and other cover

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

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Crustaceans, insects, and fish

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Life span maximum is 8 years
ï¿½	Spawning period is not known in Virginia  
ï¿½	Nesting occurs in early June on soft bottoms in vegetation 

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Extirpated from southern New York

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):