Centrarchidae facts for kids
Sunfish are a special group of freshwater fish. They belong to a family called Centrarchidae. These fish are known for their bright colors and often flat, round bodies. They are a type of ray-finned fish, which means their fins are supported by bony rays.
You can find sunfish only in North America. Many popular fish that people enjoy catching, like the largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappies, are all part of the sunfish family.
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Meet the Sunfish Family
The sunfish family includes about 37 different kinds of fish. The very first fish described in this family was the flier. Most sunfish are about 20 to 30 centimeters (8 to 12 inches) long. However, some are much smaller, like the black-banded sunfish, which is only about 8 centimeters (3 inches) long. On the other hand, the largemouth bass can grow to almost 1 meter (3 feet) long!
What Makes a Sunfish Special?
One way to tell a sunfish apart is by looking at its dorsal fin, which is the fin on its back. Sunfish have between five and 13 strong, pointy spines in this fin. These spines help protect them from predators.
Sunfish Life and Habits
Male sunfish are very good parents! In most species, the male builds a nest on the bottom of the water. He uses his tail to dig a shallow dip in the sand or gravel. After the female lays her eggs in the nest, the male guards them carefully until they hatch. He protects the eggs from other fish and keeps the nest clean.
Sunfish and People
Many sunfish species are very popular for sport fishing. People enjoy catching them because they are fun to reel in and often taste good. Because they are so popular, some sunfish have been moved to new places outside their natural homes. Sometimes, when a fish is introduced to a new area, it can become an invasive species. This means it might cause problems for the native fish and other wildlife in that new environment.
Images for kids
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smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu)
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Centrarchidae Native Range
See also
In Spanish: Centrárquidos para niños
