Okefenokee pygmy sunfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Okefenokee pygmy sunfish |
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The Okefenokee pygmy sunfish (Elassoma okefenokee) is a tiny fish found in the southeastern United States. It likes to live in waters with lots of plants. You can find it in places like southern Georgia and Florida, including the Altamaha River area and around Lake Okeechobee. This little fish usually grows to about 3.4 centimeters (1.3 inches) long.
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About the Okefenokee Pygmy Sunfish
The Okefenokee pygmy sunfish is mostly olive green. It has brownish-red spots and bright blue colors on its body. This fish is related to another species called Elassoma gilberti.
Scientists can tell them apart by looking at small details. The Okefenokee pygmy sunfish usually has three special canals near its gills. Its close relative, E. gilberti, often has four. Also, the Okefenokee pygmy sunfish typically has eight rays in its anal fin, while E. gilberti usually has seven. Female E. gilberti often have a blue spot near their eye, but female Okefenokee pygmy sunfish do not.
What Okefenokee Pygmy Sunfish Eat
In an aquarium, these fish enjoy eating small live foods. Good choices include California blackworms, daphnia, and microworms. Having small snails in the tank can also provide extra food for them.
Some pygmy sunfish might learn to eat crushed fish flakes. However, this should not be their only food. Crushed flakes can also feed tiny creatures in the water. These tiny creatures then become food for the Okefenokee pygmy sunfish.
Where Okefenokee Pygmy Sunfish Live
The Okefenokee pygmy sunfish is a freshwater fish. It spends its time near the bottom of the water in thick plant growth. It prefers water that is slightly acidic to slightly basic, with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0.
The best temperature for these fish is between 4°C and 30°C (39°F and 86°F). They like calm, clear water with plenty of hiding spots among the plants.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
When it's time to breed, the male Okefenokee pygmy sunfish changes color. He turns almost black and gets sparkling blue spots. The female fish keeps her clear, tan, and light brown colors.
These fish can breed in small spaces, even in a tank as small as 5 gallons. They prefer an aquarium that has many plants. The plants give them places to hide and lay their eggs.
Okefenokee Pygmy Sunfish as Pets
Okefenokee pygmy sunfish are considered a moderate to expert level fish for aquariums. They are small and beautiful, making them interesting to watch. Because they need specific conditions and live foods, they are best for people with some experience keeping fish.
Meaning of the Name
The name Elassoma comes from two Greek words. "Elasson" means "smaller," and "soma" means "body." This name refers to how tiny these fish are. They are much smaller than the "true" sunfishes.
