Dollar Sunfish

Lepomis marginatus is a jewel among North American sunfishes — though modest in size, it is richly decorated with iridescent blue and orange spots on an olive-green background, and the opercular flap is edged in red or orange, adding to its appeal. It inhabits sluggish coastal plain streams, swamps, and oxbow lakes from the Carolinas to Texas.

In the aquarium, Dollar Sunfish are less aggressive than many of their genus, making them more compatible with other natives in community setups. They appreciate a heavily planted tank with sandy substrate, driftwood, and leaf litter that replicates their tannin-stained blackwater habitat. Slightly soft, acidic water brings out their best colouration.

They feed readily on live and frozen invertebrates and can be weaned onto high-quality small pellets. Their manageable size and relatively docile nature make them a popular choice among native fish enthusiasts who want a colourful sunfish without the aggression of larger species.

Water: 15–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard; tannin-stained water beneficial. Tank: 150 L minimum; sand substrate, leaf litter, driftwood, and dense planting. Feeding: Frozen bloodworms, Daphnia, small earthworms, live invertebrates; small pellets accepted. Breeding: Gravel/sand nest; male guards eggs — provide visual barriers for female safety. Compatibility: Relatively peaceful for a sunfish; compatible with medium-sized robust native species.