Commonly lumped together in many circumstances under the handle bream, the bluegill and redear sunfish share many common characteristics. However, when it comes to targeting them with hook and line, they have distinctly different characteristics that come into play.
Both species are members of the sunfish family and range statewide across Mississippi. In addition, both species are frequently stocked in state lakes and farm ponds, along with largemouth bass as a means of creating a balanced ecosystem in smaller bodies of water.
Appearance
The species differ slightly in physical characteristics. Bluegill have an orange/yellow sheen stemming from an olive coloration while redear, also known as chinquapins or shellcrackers, have a more gold/green coloration.
The tip of the gill cover, or operculum, is greatly different and provides the source for each fish’s name. The bluegill is deep blue to black, while the redear’s gill is tipped with red or orange.
Both species have small mouths with no teeth on the tongue, however redears do have pharyngeal teeth located in the throat area. It uses those to crush snails and mussels, hence the nickname shellcracker. While both species are highly opportunistic feeders, the ability to crush prey with these teeth tends to separate the habitats of the two species.
Diet
Bluegill feed primarily on insects, invertebrates and small fish mostly near the surface. Redear feed on the bottom and prefer crayfish, mussels, snails and insect larvae.
Both species have similar if not exact habitat preferences. The two species may be found in a variety of habitat types including ponds, lakes, reservoirs, swamps, streams and small rivers. Shellcracker exhibit a preference for slow moving, sluggish or non-flowing waters and are often found in or near areas of vegetation and over a mud or sand bottom.
Be the first to comment