Texas Sunfish Identification Guide

This is a guide, created by Texas Freshwater Fly Fishing, to help you identify different species of Sunfish commonly found in Texas.  Specifically, trying to help you identify different members in the Genus Lepomis.

Two Keys to Aid in Sunfish Identification

1) Get a Good, Clear Picture

If possible, get as clear of a picture of the fish as you can.  Take several if necessary.  Make sure you can clearly view the following in the image:

  • Side of the Fish (colors)
  • Opercle Flap
  • Pectoral Fin
  • Dorsal Fin (extended out from body if possible)
  • Anal Fin (extended out from body if possible)
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Important Aspects to Aid in Sunfish Identification

2) Know Your Location

Be sure you know what body of water that you caught the fish in.  Even within the same river, or river system, the species of sunfish can vary.  Take time to learn what species of Sunfish live in the area that you are fishing.

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Caught in San Marcos, in the San Marcos River


Texas Sunfishes (Lepomis) Quick Guide

Click on each of the following Sunfish Species to find more information.

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Bantam Sunfish

Bantam Sunfish Quick ID Keys

Distribution: Mostly Eastern Portions of Texas
Appearance: Typically Dark Coloration; Dark spot at base of Dorsal Fin; Vertical Bars; Short/rounded Pectoral Fin; Incomplete Lateral Line

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Bluegill

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Bluegill (San Gabriel River)

Bluegill Quick ID Keys

Distribution: State wide
Appearance: Dark near the "ear" (Opercal Flap); Dark spot at base of Dorsal Fin; Vertical Bars; Yellow Breast (often turning orange in breeding males); Long/pointed Pectoral Fin

For further Bluegill Information and images: Bluegill

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Dollar Sunfish

Dollar Sunfish

Dollar Sunfish Quick ID Keys

Distribution: Eastern Portions of Texas
Appearance: Very similar to the Longear Sunfish; Distinguished by: Usually spots on Opercular flap (not on Longear); 3-4 scale rows on cheek (5-6 on Longear); 12 Pectoral fin rays

For further Bluegill Information and images: Dollar Sunfish

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Green Sunfish

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Green Sunfish (South Llano River)
Photo Courtesy of Marcus Rodriguez

Green Sunfish Quick ID Keys

Distribution: State wide
Appearance: Large Mouth compared to most sunfish; Dark (often with an orange edge) "ear" (Opercal Flap); Dark spot at base of Dorsal Fin; Greenish/Blueish Coloration; Yellow Breast; Rounded Pectoral Fin; White margins on fins.

Further Green Sunfish information and images: Green Sunfish

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Longear Sunfish

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Longear Sunfish (San Gabriel River)

Longear Sunfish Quick ID Keys

Distribution: State wide
Appearance: White outline around the "ear" (Opercal Flap); Olive Green Fins (some hints of brown or orange); Turquoise lines/spots common; Belly color ranges between white and orange.

Further Longear Sunfish Information and Images: Longear Sunfish

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Orangespotted

Orangespotted Sunfish Quick ID Keys

Distribution: 
Appearance: 


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Redbreast Sunfish

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Redbreast (San Marcos River)

Redbreast Sunfish Quick ID Keys

Distribution: State wide (Non-native)
Appearance: Long and dark colored "ear" (Opercal Flap); Typically Olive and Blue coloration on back and sides; Yellow colored belly (darker oranges in breeding males).

Further Redbreast Sunfish Information and Images: Redbreast Sunfish

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Redear Sunfish

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Redear Sunfish
Photo Courtesy of Marco Escamilla

Redear Sunfish Quick ID Keys

Distribution: State wide
Appearance: Dark spot with orange or red outline on "ear" (Opercal Flap); Often has faint vertical bars along side; Similar characteristics to a bluegill, but usually larger; Belly color ranges between white and yellow.

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Redspotted Sunfish

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Redspotted Sunfish (Lady Bird Lake)
Photo Courtesy of Connor Dunnill

Redspotted Sunfish Quick ID Keys

Distribution: State wide
Appearance: Orange or Red spots forming lines along the sides; Short/rounded Pectoral Fin; Darker Orange or Red coloration on back fins.

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Warmouth

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Warmouth (Joshua Creek)
Photo Courtesy of Bryan Fontana Scarberry

Warmouth Quick ID Keys

Distribution: State wide (except Panhandle region)
Appearance: Large mouth compared to other sunfish; Tooth patch on tongue; Orange or red outline on "ear" (Opercal Flap); Molted/Brownish coloration; 


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Related Species found in Texas that are NOT in the Lepomis Genus


Black Basses (Micropterus)

Largemouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Spotted Bass

Guadalupe Bass


Rock Basses (Ambloplites)

Rock Bass


Crappie (Pomoxis)

White Crappie

Black Crappie


Flier (Centrarchus)

Flier


Pygmy Sunfish (Elassoma)

Banded Pygmy Sunfish

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