While it inhabits lakes and ponds, redbreasts mostly live in clear, slower moving streams with sandy and rocky bottoms. The redbreast is a relatively small sunfish, usually growing four to eight inches long. Its body is golden brown to olive on top, with lighter sides having reddish spots and vague blue streaks. The redbreast gets its name from its bright yellow to orange-red breast. It closely resembles the pumpkinseed but can be identified by its long, narrow, black gill cover and small, rounded pectoral fins.
Redbreast sunfish have similar spawning habits to other sunfish.
They spawn from early June to mid-August and build their nests close together in six to 18 inches of water. Although they are not an important sportfish in most areas of New York, redbreast sunfish can provide good sport. Like other sunfish, they will put up a fight when hooked and make a tasty meal. Black Basses Smallmouth and largemouth bass are New York State's two species of black basses. They are the largest members of the sunfish family and have a more elongated, robust body shape.