Redbreast Sunfish
Lepomis auritus
Least Concern
One of north Florida's most colorful freshwater fish, with a vivid orange-red breast that makes it one of the prettiest catches in any spring run. Found in clear spring-fed streams and rivers throughout the Suwannee and St. Johns drainages. A scrappy fighter on ultralight gear.
Behavior
Prefers flowing water over rocky or sandy bottoms — more of a stream fish than a lake fish. Males develop the most intense orange-red breeding colors in spring. Nests on gravel in current. Often found in deep pools below springs.
⚠️ Safety
Small dorsal spines — handle like any panfish. Wet hands to protect their slime coat.
Fun Facts
- Has the longest ear flap (opercular extension) of any sunfish species
- Males develop brilliant breeding colors rivaling tropical fish
- Prefers flowing water — unusual for a sunfish species
- The blue facial streaks combined with orange breast make it one of Florida's most photogenic fish
Where to See
Rainbow Springs
springOne of Florida's largest springs, producing over 400 million gallons of water daily. Crystal-clear w...
Ichetucknee Springs
springPristine spring-fed river famous for tubing. Eight named springs feed the Ichetucknee River through ...
Silver Springs
springThe world's largest artesian spring. Famous glass-bottom boat tours since the 1870s. Home to rhesus ...
Suwannee River
riverThe river Stephen Foster made famous. Dark tannin-stained waters flowing 246 miles from Georgia's Ok...
Wekiwa Springs
springA natural oasis 20 minutes from downtown Orlando. Swimming, paddling, and hiking in an urban state p...
Identify This Species
Use our Species Identifier to learn how to distinguish the Redbreast Sunfish from similar species.
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