Are you thinking of keeping fish in your home? People worldwide consider fish a kind of pet due to their ease of care and the fact that they do not require a big investment. Sunfish are among the top aquarium fish since they are strong.
Therefore, it is important that you know a little more about this aquatic animal, consider its characteristics, diet, and care, and, if you want to keep it in a fish tank, the aspects that you should consider to give it a fine habitat.
History of the sunfish
The name of this fish is due to its constant appearance on the surface for sunbathing. The sun perch belongs to the Centrarchidae family, and its scientific name is Lepomis Gibbuso, but it is also known as the sunfish.
It is a species native to the northwest of North America but can currently be found in countries in America, Africa, and Europe. It was introduced to the Iberian Peninsula at the start of the 20th century. However, this species expanded around the 1980s due to the large number of people who used them for aquarium hobby as an ornamental species.
The consequences were suffered by native fish after being introduced in different places around the world, as it is a strong predator of the eggs of other fish, as well as benthic invertebrates and fry.
Characteristics of the Sunfish
Its scientific name, Lepomis Gibbuso, refers to the hump that identifies this species. sunfish’s actual size in the sea can reach up to 40 centimetres, but in a pond or aquarium, it measures 20 centimetres or 10, which is the most common.
Fish’s body is relatively tall and flattened, and its hump makes it a little taller. It has a single dorsal fin that divides the spiny rays of its front part and that of the back fin. Their colours are striking and colourful, making it special as an aquarium fish.
On the other hand, to distinguish the male from the female sunfish, it is essential to examine their sizes since the males are slightly larger than the females. In the females, they are lighter and connected in an orange tone.
Its natural habitat is watered with slow currents, such as lakes and ponds with abundant vegetation. Sunfish live in a small river.
Another important characteristic of the bluegill is the tiny size of its organs, which is why it is necessary to highlight the structure of its mouth. In fact, it is specially designed to tear hard and soft prey. This fish has another row of teeth through which it passes food to break it further down and pass it into its small stomach.
Feeding the sunfish
It is a carnivore that eats fish less than itself. Its diet consists of live foods such as jellyfish, salps, frigates, Portuguese jellyfish, and invertebrates.
Since the food mentioned above does not fill its stomach, it eats its prey in large quantities to maintain its weight and size. Sunfish search for food in the deepness of the sea and on the surface. It will gladly eat dry food for cold-water fish if it lives in an aquarium or pond.
Sunfish Care
If you finally decide to have sunfish in your aquarium, you must consider some aspects of their care. This way, you can give them a habitat where they can feel comfortable. Keep in mind the following recommendations.
Aquarium size
It is important to note that the sunfish is a coldwater fish. However, as it can be found in different parts of the world, it can adjust to other types of water.
The aquarium should be about 200 litres, an adequate size, and enough area to swim comfortably.
Water filter
It can be said that the sunfish is an all-rounder. It can survive and adapt to different environments. Therefore, it can live adequately in a fish tank without a filtration system and with a low oxygenation rank. However, think about the best care that a fish should receive.
Keeping the aquarium well-maintained is important for the fish. Therefore, installing a water filter will be perfect for the sunfish, giving them a neater and fitter habitat.
Suitable temperature
Making the water temperature acceptable for bluegills will provide the best conditions for this marine species. Appropriate ranges are between 17°C and 22°C. if the temperature were to fall below 12°C, it would endanger the life of these attractive fish. On the other hand, the pH of the water should be between 7 and 7.5.
Accessories in the fish tank
Although these fish are known to come to the surface, they usually swim in the sea depths. They enjoy being among plants and lots of vegetation. Vegetation is among the accessories for your aquarium for coldwater fish. It can be fine gravel that simulates their natural habitat.
The sunfish is known for its calm and peaceful character. However, due to its carnivorous and predatory characteristics, it cannot coexist with other smaller species.
Therefore, if you want the fish to socialize with other species. it is best to look for compatible ones, such as Koi carp.
Another thing to keep in mind is that during the breeding season. They tend to be aggressive and territorial. Therefore, it is suggested that you place one male sunfish and several females.
A fish tank without a lid
This species is not known for leaping, so you can keep the tank without a cover. However, to avoid risks, you can place a fine mesh that allows light to pass through. Remember that this species loves to go out and sunbathe, all the more reason to keep the aquarium in a place with good lighting.
Reproduction of the sunfish
The male reproduces by first making a nest on the sand. In fact, the male can fertilize several females in the same nest. During their breeding season, the pair has been observed swimming in circles over the nest, releasing eggs and sperm.
The eggs hatch after 7 days; after 11 days of this process, the male can return to the same female or a different one. It is estimated that the breeding season is between May and July.