Blackbanded sunfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blackbanded sunfish |
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The blackbanded sunfish (Enneacanthus chaetodon) is a cool freshwater fish from the sunfish family, called Centrarchidae. You can find them in the United States, all the way from New Jersey down to central Florida. What makes this fish special are the black stripes that run up and down its body.
The name "Enneacanthus" comes from two Greek words: ennea, meaning "nine times", and acanthi, meaning "thorn". The blackbanded sunfish is part of a small group of only three species. The other two are the Banded Sunfish (Enneacanthus obesus) and the Bluespotted Sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus). Together, these fish are often called "Banded Sunfish" or "Little Sunfish."
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What Does a Blackbanded Sunfish Look Like?
The blackbanded sunfish is a pretty small fish. It usually grows to about 6 centimeters long, but can reach up to 10 centimeters. They typically live for about 3 to 4 years.
This sunfish has a body that is quite flat from side to side and fairly deep. It has a small mouth, but its lower jaw sticks out a bit. You'll notice a black spot on its gill cover. Its top fin (called the dorsal fin), bottom back fin (anal fin), and tail fin (caudal fin) all have black spots. The dorsal fin stands upright and has 10 pointy spines. Its tail fin is somewhat rounded.
The body of the blackbanded sunfish is mostly shiny silver with yellow spots. It gets its name from the six black stripes on each side. The first stripe goes right through its eye, and the other five run towards its tail fin.
Are Male and Female Blackbanded Sunfish Different?
Yes, male and female blackbanded sunfish look a little different. Males are usually heavier and have brighter colors than females. They also tend to be larger and have longer fins. When females are ready to lay eggs, they become plumper.
Where Do Blackbanded Sunfish Live?
Blackbanded sunfish are found in the United States, from New Jersey down to central Florida. There have been some reports of them in the Delaware Valley, but it's been hard to find them there.
These fish prefer shallow water that doesn't move too fast and isn't cloudy. They like lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. They especially love places with lots of aquatic plants. These plants give them good places to find food and hide from predators. Sadly, their populations have faced challenges recently due to water pollution.
What Do Blackbanded Sunfish Eat?
Blackbanded sunfish are carnivores, which means they eat other small creatures. In most places, their favorite food is midge larvae, which are tiny insect babies. But they also enjoy eating many other things. This includes tiny water animals called zooplankton, different kinds of aquatic insects, and small crustaceans like tiny shrimp.
How Do Blackbanded Sunfish Behave?
The blackbanded sunfish is usually a peaceful and friendly fish. They like to hang out in groups with other sunfish of their kind. However, when it's time to lay eggs, they can become a bit more aggressive and protective of their space.
How Do Blackbanded Sunfish Reproduce?
Like other sunfish, the male blackbanded sunfish chooses a spot for a nest, often among plants. The female lays her eggs in this nest. After she lays the eggs, the male will chase her away. He then guards the eggs until they hatch. Sometimes, he even protects the tiny baby fish (called fry) for about a week after they hatch, until they can swim freely on their own.
What Threats Do Blackbanded Sunfish Face?
The blackbanded sunfish is considered vulnerable or critically endangered in many parts of its range along the Atlantic coast. One reason for their decline is that ponds and swamps where they live are drying up. Another big threat is water pollution, which can harm their environment. Also, people sometimes catch blackbanded sunfish to keep as pets in aquariums, which can reduce their numbers in places like Virginia.
