Redbreast Sunfish - Abstract

Abstract

This is a management plan for the Redbreast sunfish (Lepomis Auritus). The species native range is condensed to Eastern North America. Starting in Canada and drifting all the way south to the rivers emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. The species has been introduced as far west as Texas. This fish primarily feeds on small insect larva, small crayfish, and sometimes small fish. Lepomis auritus thrives in streams and rivers with shelter and structure usually around banks where the water pH doesn’t stray far from 7.0-7.5. The Redbreast Sunfish is a spring spawner in sand-gravel substrate depending on location, or when water temperatures reach 16-26 degrees Celsius. Average clutch size for the sunfish is around 2000 depending on the age of the female. The average length of the sunfish is around 11 cm with a record 30.5 cm. The record weight for the fish is 1.75 pounds. There are very few management plans set for Lepomis Auritus. There is rarely a limit on the number of fish that can be harvested due to their large numbers and high reproductive capabilities. However, if a particular occurrence arises where the sunfish needs to be more intensely managed a set fishing limit per day could be useful. Also, another factor that could greatly help this sunfish to survive would be habitat construction. Limits on fish are crucial to the survival success of sunfish. If a particular area is subject to over fishing or habitat destruction managements plans should be put into effect to preserve the abundance of this great sunfish.