Lepomis auritus
Redbelly, yellowbelly, sun perch
The redbreast is one of the brightest colored sunfishes. Males have yellow, orange or red breast, olive upper sides, blending into blue-tinged bronze on the lower sides and blue streaks on the cheek. Females are less colorful; their breasts are yellowish or pale red. The most distinguishing characteristic of this species is a long, narrow extension of the gill cover. These flaps, which may reach a length of one inch or more, are entirely black.
The redbreast diet is probably the most varied of any of the sunfish. The food choices include bottom-dwelling insect larvae, snails, clams, shrimp, crayfish, and small fish.
The redbreast is mainly limited to the east coast of North America, but only as far west as the Florida panhandle.
Redbreast sunfish inhabit sand-bottom areas as well as rocky areas of streams, rivers, and lakes. They frequently concentrate around boulders, limestone outcroppings, logs, aquatic vegetation, or in undercut tree roots.
The adult redbreast grow slowly compared to other sunfish. They commonly reach 8 inches in length and weigh less than a pound. The adult redbreast grows slowly compared to other sunfish. They commonly reach 8 inches in length and weigh less than a pound. The redbreast seldom lives past 7 years of age.
1 pounds, 12 ounces (Source - IGFA)