Warmouth
Lepomis gulosus
Family: Centrarchidae
Identification: Dark red-brown lines (absent on young) radiating from back of red eye. Large mouth, upper jaw extending under or beyond eye pupil. Fairly slender, thick body. Patch of teeth on tongue. Short, rounded pectoral fin, usually not reaching past eye when bent forward. Short ear flap; stiff rear edge on gill cover. Olive-brown above, often with purple sheen overall; dark brown mottling on back and upper side; often 6-11 chainlike dark brown bars on side; red spot on yellow edge of ear flap; cream to bright yellow below; dark brown spots and wavy bands on fins. Breeding male has bold pattern on body and fins, bright red-orange spot at base of 2d dorsal fin, black pelvic fins. Complete lateral line; 36-44 lateral scales; usually 14 pectoral rays, 9-10 anal rays. Long, thin rakers on 1 st gill arch. To 12 in.
Range: Common throughout Midwest and Southern U.S.
Habitat: Vegetated lakes, pomds, swamps, and quiet water areas of streams; usually over mud.
Similar Species: Green sunfish and Rock Bass.