Pumpkinseed

Lepomis gibbosus

Pumpkinseed. Photo:Duane Raver, USFWS

Although a small species, the pumpkinseed is perhaps one of the most beautiful fish species found in Canada. Of the many species of small sunfish found in North America, the pumpkinseed is the most abundant and widespread in Quebec, probably because pumpkinseed can thrive in colder waters than most other sunfish species. Like other sunfish, this species spawns in late spring, and male pumpkinseeds build a nest and defend their young from predators. Pumpkinseeds consume a wide variety of invertebrates, although they show general preference for snails. In fact, this species has pharyngeal teeth that are well adapted for crushing snail shells.