Pumpkinseed
Lepomis gibbosus
This deep bodied, laterally compressed fish has an average length of 178mm to 229mm. Pumpkinseed have vivid colours with golden sides intersected with wavy blue-green lines, flecks of olive, red or orange spots on the head and a red-orange to bronze belly. These colours are more pronounced in breeding males. Pumpkinseed are widely distributed and prefer shallow, weedy lakes and rivers. They prey on a wide range of aquatic insects, snails and other smaller fish.
Sexual maturity is usually reached by age 2 with a life span of up to 8 years. Spawning takes place when water temperatures reach 20 degrees C and can extend into mid to late summer. Males construct nests which are excavated circular depressions in the bottom, near the shore in shallow water. The males then display their vivid colours in an attempt to attract females to their nest. Once a female becomes interested, the pair go through an elaborate mating ritual before spawning. Spawning occurs in the nest area, with more than one female laying her eggs in it. Each female as the capability of producing between 2000 and 3000 eggs. Males fan the eggs and guard the nest until the eggs hatch, which can be in as little as 3 days in 28 degree C water. Males continue to guard the young fry up to eleven days after hatching at which time they usually disperse. After the fry have left, the males may clean out the nest and prepare for a second spawning.
Pumpkinseed are ideally suited for pond environments. They provide great sport on light fishing tackle, particularly for children and are also excellent eating.