Sunfish Have Some Super Micros

Welcome to the world of micro sunfish! These diminutive yet dazzling species offer a unique challenge for microfishers and make for fascinating aquarium inhabitants.

In this article, we explore six of the smallest sunfish species in North America, their habitats, fishing techniques, and tips for keeping them in home aquariums. Whether you’re an angler looking for a new challenge or an aquarist seeking colorful additions to your tank these tiny treasures are sure to delight.

Meet the Micro Sunfish

Bluespotted Sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus)

• Size: Up to 3 inches
• Description: Stunning iridescent blue spots on a dark background.
• Habitat: Prefers slow-moving waters with abundant vegetation, such as ponds, swamps, and backwaters.
• Habits: Often found hiding among submerged plants and debris.
• Where to Find Them: Common in the Atlantic coastal plain from New Jersey to Florida, including the Delaware Bay and Chesapeake Bay areas.
• Fishing Tips: Use tiny hooks (size 16-20) with live bait like worms or insects. Fish near the edges of dense vegetation in the early morning or late afternoon when they are most active.

Bantam Sunfish (Lepomis symmetricus)

• Size: Up to 3 inches
• Description: Small, round-bodied fish with a unique pattern of bars and spots.
• Habitat: Quiet, clear waters with sandy or muddy bottoms, often in backwaters and oxbows.
• Habits: Prefers shallow areas with dense aquatic plant life.
• Where to Find Them: Found in the Mississippi River basin, from Illinois to Louisiana, and parts of the Gulf Coast.
• Fishing Tips: Light tackle and small hooks are essential. Look for them in shallow, weedy areas and use small live baits or tiny artificial lures.

Blackbanded Sunfish (Enneacanthus chaetodon)

• Size: Up to 3 inches
• Description: Distinguished by its black vertical bands and light coloration.
• Habitat: Thrives in heavily vegetated waters, including slow streams and ponds.
• Habits: Often found in dense underwater vegetation and around submerged roots.
• Where to Find Them: Native to the Atlantic coastal plain from New Jersey to central Florida, often in tea-colored waters of cypress swamps.
• Fishing Tips: Fish with small hooks and live bait like daphnia or mosquito larvae. Target areas with thick plant cover and clear water.

Dollar Sunfish (Lepomis marginatus)

• Size: Up to 4 inches
• Description: Round body with vibrant orange and blue coloring.
• Habitat: Slow streams, ponds, and backwaters with plenty of vegetation.
• Habits: Likes to hide among plants and under overhanging vegetation.
• Where to Find Them: Common in the southeastern United States, from the coastal plains of the Carolinas to Florida and west to Texas.
• Fishing Tips: Use tiny jigs or live bait near the bottom in weedy areas. Fish early in the morning or late in the evening for the best results.

Orange-spotted Sunfish (Lepomis humilis)

• Size: 4-6 inches
• Description: Bright orange spots on a greenish body.
• Habitat: Shallow, muddy waters with plenty of cover, such as creeks, ponds, and small rivers.
• Habits: Often found in shallow, weedy areas and among submerged logs.
• Where to Find Them: Widely distributed in the central United States, from the Great Plains to the Mississippi River basin, and extending into parts of Canada.
• Fishing Tips: Small live baits or brightly colored jigs work well. Fish near the shore in areas with lots of aquatic plants.

Redspotted Sunfish (Lepomis miniatus)

• Size: 6-8 inches
• Description: Red spots on a dark olive body.
• Habitat: Prefers clear, vegetated streams and lakes.
• Habits: Often found near submerged vegetation and in clear waters.
• Where to Find Them: Found in the southeastern United States, primarily in the Gulf Coast states, including Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
• Fishing Tips: Use light tackle and small hooks. Try small live baits or tiny spinners near weed beds and in clear, slow-moving water.

Microfishing for Micro Sunfish

Gear and Techniques

• Light Tackle: Use ultralight rods and reels, 2-4 lb test lines, and tiny hooks (size 14-20) to avoid spooking these small fish.
• Bait: Opt for small live baits such as insects, worms, and micro jigs. Artificial flies and tiny soft plastics also work well.
• Location: Focus on shallow, vegetated areas in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. Look for dense cover and structure where these fish like to hide.

Seasonal Considerations

• Spring and Summer: Best seasons for microfishing as sunfish are more active and easier to locate near the shore.
• Fall and Winter: Sunfish move to deeper waters, making them more challenging to catch but still possible with persistence.

Keeping Micro Sunfish in Aquariums

Tank Setup

• Size: A 20-gallon tank is suitable for a small group of micro sunfish.
• Environment: Mimic their natural habitat with plenty of plants, driftwood, and hiding spots. Use a sandy or fine gravel substrate.
• Water Quality: Maintain clean, well-oxygenated water with a slight current. Ideal water temperature ranges from 70-78°F with a pH of 6.5-7.5.

Diet and Care

• Feeding: Provide a varied diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods. Supplement with brine shrimp, daphnia, and mosquito larvae.
• Compatibility: Micro sunfish are generally peaceful and can be kept with other small, non-aggressive fish. Avoid larger or aggressive tankmates.

Breeding

• Environment: Create spawning conditions by simulating spring with increased temperature and live food. Provide flat stones or plant leaves for egg laying.
• Fry Care: Once eggs hatch, remove adults to prevent predation. Feed fry infusoria or finely crushed flakes until they are large enough for bigger foods.

Micro Sunfish Are Sensational

Micro sunfish may be small in size but they offer big rewards for anglers and aquarists alike. Whether you’re casting a line or setting up a tank, these tiny sunfish provide endless fascination and enjoyment.

Embrace the challenge and beauty of these miniature marvels and discover a new passion for micro sunfish.