Bluegill Pumpkinseed Green Sunfish Crappie Rock Bass Orangespotted Sunfish T he orangespotted is the smallest Minnesota sunfish, rarely reaching 4 inches. It is one of our most colorful species. Spawning males carry orange-red lines on the cheeks and gill covers. Their bellies and lower fins are reddish.
Ear lobes are dark with a pale border.
Spawning habits are similar to those of other sunfish. Found in southern Minnesota, the orangespotted sunfish is too small to be popular with anglers. It is more tolerant of pollution and turbidity than other sunfish. Declines in water quality enable the orangespotted sunfish to extend its range while more desirable sunfish decline. All rights reserved.