[rainbuilder]

I am greatly interested in this fish. Native sunfish species have always been among my favorite kinds of fish, and I may want to keep some soon. The orangespotted sunfish seems to be the best candidate for me, being of relatively small size and beautiful coloration. Where could I find these? I supposedly live in their range but I have never seen them... I guess I am in for some fishing this year to see if they live here. Does anyone have any information/experience about breeding and keeping them?

 

[kamikazi]

I am greatly interested in this fish. Native sunfish species have always been among my favorite kinds of fish, and I may want to keep some soon. The orangespotted sunfish seems to be the best candidate for me, being of relatively small size and beautiful coloration. Where could I find these? I supposedly live in their range but I have never seen them... I guess I am in for some fishing this year to see if they live here. Does anyone have any information/experience about breeding and keeping them?

What size tank do you plan to keep them in? Be sure to check what the regulations for catching them in your state is. Here in NC they are considered game fish, so you have to get a valid fishing license and catch them with a hook and line.

the forum at www.nanfa.org (North American Native Fish Association) is an excellent source for information on native fish keeping.

There are a few places I know of that you can buy native fish from (Jonahs, BTDarters and Zimmerman's) again be sure to check the rules for importing them to your state.

 

[Wulfyn]

I havE found blue spotted sunfish here. I have 2 dollar sunfish, which I've read can live up to 6 years. As for not finding any of the orange ones, from observation sunfish tend to come closer to the surface in shady spots when it's hot. They will move away and deeper if they see you. More or less hide. Depending on thier size or entrance on minnow traps catching them Is possible. Just to note took a few days for my 2 to figure out flakes were food. Now the one will sit at the front of the tank and watch what's going on outside and at times "follow" me. He sees the flake canister gets excited zips back and forth and will look at the surface for the flakes then at me. Wife thinks it's cute lol. Definately fish with personality.

 

[hydrophyte]

http://www.zimmermansfish.com/