[3], Pumpkinseed sunfish that live in waters with larger gastropods have larger mouths and associated muscles to crack the shells of the larger gastropods. The brightly colored gill plates of the pumpkinseed sunfish also serve as a method of protection and dominance. Pumpkinseed Sunfish are currently established in small lakes in Victoria area, the lower Columbia, lower Kootenay, Kettle and Okanagan systems below Cascade and Okanagan falls and now with this record the Upper Columbia River. ; Cross and Collins 1995) or Nebraska (Lee et al. Like the bluegill, the pumpkinseed lives in many of Minnesota's lakes and streams. The pumpkinseed sunfish has adapted in many ways to the surroundings where it lives. In North Carolina, pumpkinseed are found in shallow areas of lakes and slow-moving rivers and prefer areas with submerged vegetation and brushy cover. Pumpkinseed feed on aquatic insects, snails, small mollusks and other small fish. Orange spots may cover the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins and the cheeks have blue lines across them. 1998. It is unclear if these introductions are within their native range in those drainages or outside their native range. They have a small mouth with an upper jaw stopping right under the eye. They may be easy to catch and popular with the youngest anglers, but pumpkinseeds are often sought by adults, as well. Because of this aggressive behavior, pumpkinseeds tend to maintain larger territories than bluegills. [6], The IGFA world record for the species stands at 0.68 kg (1 lb 8oz) caught near Honeoye, New York in 2016. The pumpkinseed is noted for the orange-red spot on the margin of its black gill cover. [10], The pumpkinseed sunfish are typically very likely to bite on a worm, which makes them easy to catch while fishing. Pumpkins, and their seeds, are native to the Americas, and indigenous species are found across North America, South America, and Central America. Females arrive after the nests are completed, coming in from deeper waters. … van Kleef, H., G. van der Velde, R.S.E. Pumpkinseeds are active throughout the day, but they rest at night near the bottom or in protected areas in rocks or near submerged logs. The black gill flap is also tipped with red and bright blue lines extend from the mouth across the gill cover. It then runs inland to the middle of North America, and extends through Iowa and back through Pennsylvania. The pumpkinseed sunfish is widely recognized by its shape of a pumpkin seed, from which its common name comes. Pumpkinseed’s natural range in North America is from New Brunswick down the east coast to South Carolina. [5] They are orange, green, yellow or blue in color, with speckles over their sides and back and a yellow-orange breast and belly. This popular sunfish is nearly as large as the bluegill. The pumpkinseed sunfish has developed a specific method of protection. Relatively easy to catch. They will feed at all water levels from the surface to the bottom in the daylight, and their heaviest feeding will be in the afternoon. In Europe, the pumpkinseed is considered an invasive … Its nutty flavor makes it a favorite in desserts, salad dressings, and a finishing oil for dishes. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. Longear Sunfish. “Sunfish (bluegills and pumpkinseeds) can be found around all types of structure, including weeds, rocks, brush, docks, and overhanging branches. They are common in farm ponds, small lakes and weedy bays of larger bodies of fresh water. The pumpkinseeds are very popular with young fishermen due to their willingness to bite on worms, their abundance, and their close locations to the shore. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. [10], Lepomis, in Greek, means 'scaled gill cover' and gibbosus means 'humped'. The coloration of the ctenoid scales of the pumpkinseed is one of the most vibrant of any freshwater fish and can range from an olive-green or brown to bright orange and blue. Casal, C.M.V. In one investigation, scientists found that there were 265 mg of total sterols in every 100 g of pumpkin seed kernel. (2008) found that macroinvertebrate abundance was 83% lower in areas invaded by Pumpkinseeds in the Netherlands. The males will use their caudal fins to sweep out shallow, oval-shaped nesting holes that stretch about twice the length of the pumpkinseed itself. Pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus) invasions facilitated by introductions and nature management strongly reduce macroinvertebrate abundance in isolated water bodies. Beta-sitosterol, found in pumpkin seeds, can help block the conversion of testerone into a metabolite – helping to prevent prostate enlargement. 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