| Green sunfish | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Centrarchiformes |
| Family: | Centrarchidae |
| Genus: | Lepomis |
| Species: | L. cyanellus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Lepomis cyanellus Rafinesque, 1819
| |
The green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) is a species of aggressive freshwater fish in the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of order Perciformes. A panfish popular with anglers, the green sunfish is also kept as an aquarium fish by hobbyists,[citation needed] they need a 55–75 gallon tank and can be fed minnows,[citation needed] mealworms, or nightcrawlers. They are usually caught by accident, while fishing for other game fish. Green sunfish can be caught with live bait, such as nightcrawlers, waxworms, mealworms, and blood worms. Grocery store baits, such as pieces of hot dog or corn kernels, can even catch fish. Green sunfish are aggressive and will hit small lures. They can be caught with fly fishing tackle. They usually grow to be 10 inches (25 cm) long, but can achieve a length of 12 inches (30 cm).
- ^ NatureServe (2019). "Lepomis cyanellus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T61248A58309866. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T61248A58309866.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.