Lepomis microlophus
Shellcraker, bream, yellow bream
The redear closely resembles the pumpkinseed, but lacks the dark spot at the base of the posterior portion of the dorsal fin and has a red or orange border around the gill flap instead of the bluish bands. The body coloration is light olive-green to gold, with red or orange flecks on the breast. The body is heavily spotted and they have long, pointed pectoral fins.
Redears are opportunistic bottom feeders, foraging mainly during daylight hours on a variety of invertebrates. Important food items include snails and clams which are crushed by grinding teeth in the throat; larval insects, fish eggs, small fish, and crustaceans.
The redear is native to river drainages of the southern states from Virginia to Texas and north as far as Indiana; they are being introduced in the north and west to help expand its range.
The redear is typically found on sandy or shell-covered areas of ponds and lakes, and are often located near grasses.
The average size of the redear is 9 to 10 inches. A good size redear will weigh 2 to 3 pounds and can live 6 to 8 years.
5 pounds, 7 ounces (Source - IGFA)