Sunfish in the Aquarium: Keeping Pumpkinseeds, Bluegills & their Relatives

[findiviglio]

Hi All,
The world’s 30-35 freshwater sunfish species (Family Centrarchidae) range throughout Canada, the USA and Central America. Although popular among European aquarists, sunfishes have been largely been neglected in American aquaculture. This is a shame, as all are colorful, interesting and active, and most adjust well to aquarium life. From the tiny Black-Banded Sunfish to the 39 inch long Largemouth Bass, there is something for everyone. I’ve had the good fortune of working with a “sunnies” ranging from the tiny Black-Banded Sunfish to the massive Largemouth Bass, and would enjoy hearing from readers who have also come to know them, or wish to (please post below).
Read article here Sunfish Care - Keeping Pumpkinseeds, Bluegills and Their Relatives That Fish Blog
Thanks, Frank
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[IrishRonin]

I have been contemplating keeping a blue gill and bass for sometime. Like you I find them fascinating fish with great colors, but I have never seen any member of this family for sale. By my work there is a pond full of blue's, my friend caught a small 2-3" but let it go as neither of us were going to be off work for several hours. What would be the best time to catch some fry or harvest eggs? I know that at least the ones in question deal with freezing winter's, would I need to mimic this? Needless to say you sir have peeked my interest. I'm sure I'll have many questions for you on this topic.

[findiviglio]

I have been contemplating keeping a blue gill and bass for sometime. Like you I find them fascinating fish with great colors, but I have never seen any member of this family for sale. By my work there is a pond full of blue's, my friend caught a small 2-3" but let it go as neither of us were going to be off work for several hours. What would be the best time to catch some fry or harvest eggs? I know that at least the ones in question deal with freezing winter's, would I need to mimic this? Needless to say you sir have peeked my interest. I'm sure I'll have many questions for you on this topic.

Hello,

Thanks or your interest, glad to see it. You can collect young ones from spring through late all, in a minnow trap baited with a can of fish lavoered cat food (poke holes in can) or similar and bread. In the northern half of the US they breed in summer, so the tiniest fry are out and about from July or so on. The male guards the eggs (saucer shaped pit in shallow water) and provides them with oxygen via fanning, removes infertile eggs etc.; it's not possible, far as I know, to remove and rear eggs yourself. They do not need a winter period in captivity...very adaptable and breed year-round in south and in introduced habitat such as Brazil. Normal household temp fluctuations in an unheated tank may spur breeding. Please send along any questions as time goes on, Best for the season and new year, Frank

[IrishRonin]

Well thanks for the response, I will definitely have to try and get me fry this spring. I have watched as the males protect their eggs on several occasions, while I've been fishing. I find their behavior very intriguing. Anyway I'm sure I be asking more questions as I go, thanks again. Trever

[findiviglio]

Well thanks for the response, I will definitely have to try and get me fry this spring. I have watched as the males protect their eggs on several occasions, while I've been fishing. I find their behavior very intriguing. Anyway I'm sure I be asking more questions as I go, thanks again. Trever

My pleasure, Trever; that behavior is fascinating, isn't it? I had some nests in an outdoor pond at the Bx Zoo, saw males drive off painted turtles and bullhead catfish...I sometimes dropped large crayfish nearby - they were attaked with great vigor, and always retreated. Hope you get started with them, pl keep me posted, Best, Frank