How to Identify a Pumpkinseed Sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus)

• Body shape: A deep-bodied, thin sunfish that may reach a length of 10 inches but is usually smaller.
• Ear flap color: A round, orange spot at the tip of the gill cover.
• Dorsal fin: The dorsal and anal fins are spotted.
• Body markings: Wavy blue lines can be seen on the cheeks.
• Fin detail: Thin, wavy lines on the rear part of the anal and dorsal fins — a feature the redear sunfish lacks.

The pumpkinseed has a round, orange spot at the tip of the gill cover, while the bluegill's ear flap is all black with no spot. See the Bluegill page for its full mark list.

The pumpkinseed has thin, wavy lines on the rear of the dorsal and anal fins, a feature the redear sunfish lacks. See the Redear Sunfish page for its full mark list.

A freshwater fish that lives in natural lakes and the still pools of rivers where aquatic plants are abundant. Native to eastern North America, west to Minnesota and eastern North Dakota, east to southwestern New Brunswick, south to northern Missouri and West Virginia, and along the Atlantic coast as far south as most of South Carolina.

Lay the fish flat on its side in even light and photograph the whole body first, then the details below. Spread the tail fin so its shape (forked, rounded or square) is clear. Raise the dorsal and anal fins fully; ray counts and fin edges only read when the fin is spread. Photograph the gill cover and cheek straight on so the ear flap and scale rows are visible. Shoot the side of the body before the fish dries; spots and stripes fade fast out of water. The app reads the photo and names the likely species; use the marks on this page to confirm it.

Size and daily limits for this species differ by state and by water, and some waters are catch-and-release only. Check the current regulations for where you are fishing before keeping any fish; if you are unsure of the species, release it.