Longear Sunfish (Lepomis megalotis)
The Longear Sunfish (Lepomis megalotis) is one of the most visually striking members of the sunfish family, known for its electric blue streaks, vivid orange-red hues, and, of course, its namesake—an elongated opercular flap resembling an ear. While not as widespread in popularity as bluegill, the longear sunfish is a beloved native species in clean, flowing waters throughout the central and southeastern United States.
Found primarily in creeks, rivers, and streams with gravel or rocky bottoms, the longear sunfish is a prized catch for ultralight anglers and lifelisters alike. It thrives in well-oxygenated, unpolluted waters and is considered an indicator of healthy aquatic habitats.
This guide dives into everything you need to know about the longear sunfish—from how to identify it to where it lives, what it eats, and how to catch one.
How to Identify a Longear Sunfish
Longear sunfish are among the most colorful freshwater fish in North America. Males especially display dramatic coloration during the breeding season, rivaling tropical reef fish in appearance.
Key Traits:
- Coloration: Bright orange to reddish belly and breast, with turquoise-blue wavy lines on the cheeks and gill covers.
- Opercular Flap: Long, flexible, dark “ear” flap with a vibrant red or orange edge—this is its most defining feature.
- Body Shape: Deep-bodied and laterally compressed, similar to bluegill but more slender.
- Fins: Rounded pectoral fins; dorsal and anal fins often have orange tips.
- Size: Typically 4 to 6 inches; maximum around 7–8 inches in ideal conditions.
Juveniles can resemble other sunfish species but will still show hints of blue facial markings and a lengthening opercular flap as they mature.
Differences from Similar Sunfish
Longear sunfish are often confused with other small Lepomis species, especially in regions where multiple sunfish overlap.
- Bluegill: Has a shorter opercular flap, more muted coloration, and lacks the intense blue facial markings.
- Pumpkinseed: Shares blue lines on the face but has a red tip on a shorter opercular flap and a more speckled body.
- Green Sunfish: Has a bigger mouth, stockier body, and darker, more mottled colors with shorter “ears.”
- Orangespotted Sunfish: Much smaller, found in muddier water, with tiny orange specks and a shorter opercular flap.
Proper ID matters when microfishing, documenting species, or teaching about biodiversity in clean-water systems.
Habitat: Where to Find Longear Sunfish
Longear sunfish are native to the central and eastern United States, especially in the Mississippi and Ohio River basins. They’re common in:
Preferred Environments:
- Small to Medium Streams: Clear, shallow creeks and riffle-pool systems with gravel or rock bottoms.
- Rivers and Tributaries: Backwaters and slow eddies with moderate current and low turbidity.
- Vegetated Edges: Frequently found around submerged logs, root systems, and aquatic vegetation.
- Spring-fed Waters: Particularly abundant in cool, clear Ozark streams and Appalachian foothills.
Unlike orangespotted sunfish, longears do not tolerate silty or polluted waters well. Their presence is a strong indicator of high water quality.
Spawning and Reproductive Behavior
Longear sunfish are classic Lepomis spawners with vibrant displays and nest-guarding males.
When Do They Spawn?
- Season: Late spring through summer, typically May to July
- Temperature: Begin spawning once water temperatures exceed 70°F (21°C)
Spawning Behavior:
- Nest Building: Males fan out shallow depressions in gravel or sand, often forming colonies.
- Color Display: Males become brilliantly colored, using their bold hues to attract mates and ward off rivals.
- Courtship: Females inspect nests, then lay eggs while males fertilize and begin guarding.
- Parental Care: Males aggressively defend the nest, fanning and protecting the eggs until they hatch.
Because they require specific substrates and clean water, successful reproduction is tied to good habitat quality.
Activity Patterns and Feeding Habits
Daily Activity:
- Most active in the morning and late afternoon, especially during warm months.
- Longears stay close to cover and prefer areas with current breaks or light flow.
What Do They Eat?
Longear sunfish are opportunistic insectivores:
- Insect Larvae: Mayflies, caddisflies, dragonflies
- Aquatic Invertebrates: Crustaceans, snails, and worms
- Terrestrial Insects: Ants, beetles, spiders falling into the water
- Small Fish & Fry: On occasion, they may eat smaller minnows or sunfish fry
- Plant Matter: Occasionally nibbled, but not a major food source
Their narrow mouths and preference for clean substrates make them ideal predators of macroinvertebrates.
How to Catch Longear Sunfish
Despite their small size, longear sunfish are aggressive feeders and fun to catch on ultralight tackle or fly gear.
Recommended Gear:
- Rod & Line: Ultralight spinning rod or fly rod with 1–4 lb line
- Hooks: Small size 12–16 hooks for bait or micro jigs
- Presentation: Use small floats or drift presentations along eddies and current seams
Best Baits:
- Natural: Worm bits, mealworms, crickets, waxworms
- Artificial: Small jigs, soft plastics (1/64–1/32 oz), bead-head nymphs on fly gear
- Fly Fishing: Dry flies, wet flies, and nymphs (especially in riffles)
Tips:
- Cast near undercut banks, log jams, or trailing vegetation
- Use slow retrieves or natural drift to entice shy fish
- Sight-fish using polarized sunglasses in clear streams
Longear sunfish will often strike well above their weight class, making them perfect for light-line fishing challenges or introducing kids to creek fishing.
Conservation Status and Ecological Role
The longear sunfish is not currently considered endangered, but regional populations have declined in areas affected by sedimentation, pollution, or channelization.
Ecological Importance:
- Controls aquatic insect populations
- Prey for larger fish (bass, gar), turtles, wading birds, and otters
- Indicators of stream health due to their intolerance of turbid or degraded waters
Conservation Notes:
- Threats: Agricultural runoff, urban development, damming, and erosion
- Solutions: Riparian buffers, erosion control, habitat restoration, and limiting livestock access to streams
Many state wildlife agencies use Lepomis megalotis presence as a biological indicator during water quality surveys. Their survival highlights the importance of protecting headwaters and tributaries from pollution.
For a detailed species profile and educational overview, check out this Longear Sunfish factsheet from Pennsylvania Envirothon (PDF). If you’re trying to go fishing, make sure you bring your fishing licence. Check out our Fishing License page to find where to get one today!
Why the Longear Sunfish Deserves Attention
The longear sunfish is a true gem of North America’s freshwater ecosystems. With its bold patterns, brilliant coloration, and creek-dwelling behavior, it’s a favorite for naturalists, lifelisters, and anyone looking to reconnect with pristine waterways.
Whether you’re teaching kids to fish, exploring backcountry creeks, or completing a lifelist of native sunfish species, the longear sunfish is a memorable catch. Its resilience, beauty, and ecological value make it much more than just a panfish—it’s a reminder of how healthy habitats support dazzling diversity.
💡Takeaways
- 📌Striking Colors and Long Opercular FlapThe longear sunfish is known for its electric orange belly, blue facial streaks, and long ear-like flap—making it one of the most colorful freshwater fish in North America.
- 📌Clean-Water Habitat IndicatorLongear sunfish thrive in clear, shallow streams with gravel bottoms and vegetation, making their presence a strong sign of unpolluted, healthy ecosystems.
- 📌Active Feeders in the DaylightMost active in the morning and late afternoon, longears feed on insects, larvae, and small invertebrates, often near cover like logs and vegetation.
- 📌Fun to Catch on Light TackleAggressive for their size, longear sunfish strike small baits and lures with force—perfect for ultralight rods, fly fishing, and teaching kids to fish.
- 📌Spawning with Color and CareMales build gravel nests in shallow water, display brilliant colors during courtship, and guard the eggs until fry are free-swimming.
FAQ
Are longear sunfish good to eat?
Longear sunfish are edible and have firm, white meat like other sunfish, but their small size makes them less practical for eating. Most anglers choose to catch and release them, especially in smaller creeks where populations are sensitive to overharvest.
How big do longear sunfish get?
Longear sunfish typically grow to 4–6 inches in length, with exceptional specimens reaching up to 8 inches. Their size can vary based on habitat quality and food availability.
Are longear sunfish aggressive?
Yes, longear sunfish are quite aggressive for their size—especially during spawning season. Males fiercely defend their nests, and they strike small lures or bait readily, making them a fun target on ultralight tackle.
What is the other name for the longear sunfish?
While “longear sunfish” is the most common name, they are sometimes referred to regionally as “red-eared sunfish” or simply “creek sunfish” due to their bright ear flap and typical stream habitat. Their scientific name is Lepomis megalotis.
Why are sunfish so rare?
Not all sunfish are rare, but some species—including longears—may seem uncommon because they prefer clean, flowing waters that are increasingly threatened by pollution, erosion, or habitat loss. In degraded or silty streams, longears are often absent.
Is a bluegill the same thing as a sunfish?
Bluegill is a type of sunfish, but not all sunfish are bluegill. The sunfish family (Lepomis) includes several species like longear, pumpkinseed, green sunfish, and redear. Bluegill are larger and more widely recognized, but longears are more colorful and prefer different habitats.