Come identificare Bluegill

Per identificare Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

compressed

Colorazione

Highly variable depending on age, sex, and habitat. Generally, the back is olive-green to dark blue, fading to lighter green or yellow on the sides, and a yellowish to white belly. Distinctive vertical bars (6-8) are often present on the sides, more prominent in younger fish and males. The opercular flap is dark blue to black, often with a red or orange spot on the posterior margin in males. Pectoral fins are typically yellowish, and other fins may have a bluish tint. Breeding males develop a vibrant blue head and back, with an orange or reddish breast.

Tipo di squame

ctenoid

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Small mouth, not extending past the front of the eye., Prominent dark blue/black opercular flap (ear flap)., Often exhibits 6-8 vertical bars on the sides., Long, pointed pectoral fins., Single dorsal fin with spiny and soft-rayed portions joined.

Pinna dorsale

Single, continuous dorsal fin with 10-11 spines followed by 10-12 soft rays. The spiny and soft-rayed portions are broadly joined.

Pinna caudale

Slightly forked caudal fin.

Pinna pettorale

Long and pointed, typically extending past the eye when bent forward.

Pinne distintive

Anal fin with 3 spines and 10-12 soft rays. Pelvic fins are thoracic.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Opercular Flap

   Look for the distinct dark blue or black spot on the posterior margin of the gill cover. This 'ear flap' is a key identifier.

2. 2

   Vertical Bars

   Observe the 6-8 dark vertical bars on the sides of the body, especially noticeable in younger individuals and males.

3. 3

   Pectoral Fins

   Note the long, pointed pectoral fins that extend well past the eye when pressed forward.

4. 4

   Mouth Size

   The mouth is relatively small, not extending beyond the front of the eye, distinguishing it from larger-mouthed sunfish like the largemouth bass.

5. 5

   Coloration

   While variable, the overall olive-green to bluish-green back, yellowish sides, and often orange/red breast (in males) are characteristic.

Esplora Bluegill