Scientific Name:               Lepomis cyanellus
Common Name(s):         Green Sunfish, Ricefield Slick, Greenie, Perch

Identification:

The green sunfish, Lepomis cyanellus, can sometimes be difficult to identify from other sunfish because these species are known to hybridize. Green sunfish are blue-green on the back, fading to lighter green on the sides, and yellow-white on the belly. The sides often have several faint vertical bars. They have some scales with turquoise spots and iridescent blue or green jagged lines underneath the eyes. There are three dark spots, with one located near the end of their dorsal fin, one at the base of their anal fin, and one on the ear flap. The fins on their sides are short and rounded. Green sunfish have a large mouth and 9-11 sharp spines on their back. Fins of breeding males become dark with the margins turning whitish orange. Adults usually range from 8-10 inches in length and 1lb in weight. The current state record is 1lb 11oz from a pond in Dierks, AR.

Range:

Green sunfish are native to a wide area of North America, northern Mexico, and parts of Canada. Green sunfish have been introduced to many water bodies all over the United States, becoming populated in some. In Arkansas, the green sunfish occupies all water bodies statewide, both streams and lakes.

Ecology:

The green sunfish is a warm water fish, preferring water temperatures around 80-84°F. They are a highly versatile species, making them easy to find in many different habitats. Tolerant of extreme turbidity (murkiness) and variable oxygen, temperatures, and flow, they can live almost anywhere. Although they are distributed in many water bodies, they are most abundant in creeks and ponds with conditions not suitable for other fish where they can repopulate rapidly without competition. Because green sunfish reproduce quickly and are tolerant of many different conditions, they are often the first to populate bodies of water after droughts or other disturbances.

Green sunfish spawn for an extended period in Arkansas, from April-August when water temperatures range from 69-73°F. Males build nests in shallow water with gravel substrates being favored, but clay and detritus bottoms are used if needed. Nests are circular indentions formed by strong fanning with the tail fin. Several females may spawn with one male. Eggs attach to substrate and the male guards the nest for about a week, until fry swim away. Green sunfish reach sexual maturity in one or two years and can live up to five years. Adults are very territorial with well defined, small home ranges.

Green sunfish consume mainly aquatic insects and larvae, terrestrial insects that fall into the water, small fish, worms, snails, and crayfish.

The green sunfish is not a highly prized game fish in Arkansas, although it is fished for in creeks that will not support other gamefish. Some anglers use them for bait when trying to catch bass or catfish. They are usually caught by accident when trying to catch other sunfish or bass.

Green sunfish are not typically stocked in reservoirs because of their ability to repopulate quickly. They can maintain their populations almost anywhere. Stunting often occurs in farm ponds because of overpopulation. They have even been found living in the shallow water of rice fields in Arkansas, thus giving them the nickname “Ricefield Slicks.”

Special Notes:

Here in Bella Vista, green sunfish are not stocked in any lake because of their ability to maintain their populations and can be found in all the lakes. Anglers hoping to catch a green sunfish can use a variety of live or artificial lures, including earthworms, crickets, small spinners, or jigs. They are found in thick, weedy cover, so fishing by submerged vegetation or brush may be helpful. They also frequently inhabit the riprap on the dams and around the shorelines. Remember to always be careful with the sharp spines on their back when taking them off a hook.