The pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) is a species of freshwater fish. It is a member of the sunfish family (family Centrarchidae) of order Perciformes. It is native to northeastern North America, from New Brunswick to South Carolina. These fish reach a maximum overall length of about 40 cm (16 in), although sizes of 15–20 cm (6–8 in) are more typical. They normally weight less than 450 grams (1 lb, although larger specimens are encountered. The fish present an oval silhouette and are very narrow laterally; it is their body shape, resembling the seed of a pumpkin, which got them their common name. The coloration includes (orange, green, yellow, or blue) speckles on the olive back and sides with a yellow to orange belly and breast. They have sharp spines and care must be taken in handling them.












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Pumpkinseeds prefer shallow water with some weed cover. They are often found in ponds and small lakes, preferring water temperatures of 4–22°C (39–72°F). They are active during the day and rest near the bottoms during the night. These fish reproduce rapidly and are low on the food chain. They eat a variety of insects, including mosquito larvae, along with small molluscs and crustaceans. They also feed on smaller fish, including smaller pumpkinseeds. These fish exploit the entire underwater region from bottom to surface. In turn, they provide food for fishing birds and mammals (including humans).

Above Images Are From The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service



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