Pumpkinseed Sunfish

The Pumpkinseed Sunfish is native to lakes, ponds, and slow streams of eastern North America. Its body is covered in vivid turquoise-blue and orange-red spots and wavy lines, with a distinctive red-tipped black ear flap that gives it its common name.

In the aquarium Pumpkinseeds are active, intelligent fish with large personalities. They are territorial, especially breeding males, and are best kept as a single species or with other robust, similarly-sized North American native fish. They thrive in well-oxygenated, cool water and can be kept without a heater.

Pumpkinseed Sunfish prefer a diet of meaty foods — invertebrates, worms, and small crustaceans — and will not thrive on plant-based diets alone.

Water: 8–24°C, pH 6.5–8.0, GH 5–18; well-oxygenated, clean water; no heater needed. Tank: minimum 150 L, rocky and rooty décor with clear swimming areas; tight lid as they can jump. Feeding: carnivore — earthworms, frozen bloodworm, prawns, pellets; feed twice daily in small portions. Breeding: male excavates a nest depression in spring; guards eggs and fry aggressively. Compatibility: semi-aggressive; best as sole species or with other North American natives of similar size.