Ron's Critter of the Day

TAXONOMY
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Centrarchidae (Sunfishes)

Genus/species: Pomoxis nigromaculatus

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: Length 13-38 cm (5 – 15 in) in length. The average weight varies from 0.25-0.90 kg (9 – 31 oz). Deep and laterally compressed body with symmetrical dorsal and anal fins. Color is silvery-gray to green with irregular or mottled black splotches over the entire body. Color varies among populations of P. nigromaculatus with age, habitat, and breeding are all determinants of the intensity of mottling.

DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: North America: native to freshwaters of central and eastern North America, today widely introduced throughout the U.S.  Habitat: Lakes, ponds, sloughs, and backwaters and pools of streams. Prefers clear water and sites with vegetation over mud or sand.

DIET IN THE WILD: Mid-water omnivore that feeds in vegetation and open water. Its numerous gill rakers allow it to consume planktonic crustaceans; however aquatic insects, minnows, and fingerlings of other species comprise its main diet.

REPRODUCTION: P. nigromaculatus produce an average of 40,000 spherical eggs and the male watches o the nest until eggs hatch, which is usually about 2–3 days.

PREDATORS: Larger fishes such as pike, walleye and muskellunge. Average lifespan 10-13 years.

CONSERVATION: Not endangered.

REMARKS: A very popular tasty sport fish.

Feeding Strategies WP31 and Swamp SW02

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