Greengill sunfish

The greengill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus × cyanellus) is sometimes referred to as "hybrid sunfish" or "bluegill green sunfish hybrid". It is a hybrid between a bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus).[1] They can sometimes be found in ponds, lakes, or streams where there is both bluegill and green sunfish. They are also stocked in some ponds as gamefish and as pets.[2]

Greengill sunfish
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Centrarchidae
Subfamily: Lepominae
Genus: Lepomis
Species:
L. macrochirus × L. cyanellus

Description

While the greengill's appearance can vary from individual they usually have certain morphological traits that are common throughout this hybrid.

Size

In aquaculture greengill can reach sizes up to 12 in (32 cm) and weigh around 2 pounds (965 grams). They can reach these sizes in captivity more regularly in part due a faster growth rate than both parent species. Though specimens found in the wild tend to be smaller, around 5 in (13 cm), though some can get to 6 in (16 cm).[3]

Body shape

The body shape of greengill tend to be intermediate between both parent species. Though sometimes the body can be more elongate, like a green sunfish, or more deep, like a bluegill.[3] The caudal fin, like most other lepomids, is emarginate in shape.[4]

Diet

The greengill diet mostly consists of what the parent species ate. This includes creatures such as insects, arachnids, crayfish, and small fish. They can even be fed floating catfish pellets.[2]

References
  1. [Greengill Sunfish (Hybrid Lepomis macrochirus × cyanellus). (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2020, from https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/1102243-Lepomis-macrochirus---cyanellus "Greengill sunfish"] Check |url= value (help).
  2. "Establishing Hybrid Sunfish in Ponds for Recreation" (PDF).
  3. "Greengill (Lepomis cyanellus x Lepomis macrochirus)". Koaw Nature. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
  4. "Caudal Fin Types". Koaw Nature. Retrieved 2021-02-06.
  • Greengill Sunfish (Hybrid Lepomis macrochirus × cyanellus). (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2020, from https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/1102243-Lepomis-macrochirus---cyanellus
  • Hicks, C. E., & Pierce, R. A., 2nd. (1914). [PDF]. Columbia, Missouri: University of Missouri Extension.


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