Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Bluegill

Lepomis macrochirus

Also called Bream, Brim, Sunny, Copper nose

SpeciesShort profile

From North America east of the Rocky Mountains: St. Lawrence-Great Lakes and Mississippi basins and Atlantic and Gulf drainages from Virginia to Texas and northern Mexico1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length10 to 41 cm2 1 3

Lifespan5 to 11 years2 1

Sizemedium

Colourful and easy to recognise

Males build and guard nests in busy colonies

A favourite of anglers and Illinois' state fish

Looks how to spot one

Deep-bodied, flat-sided sunfish

A round, flat sunfish with blue to purple tones on the face and gill cover, dark olive bars along the sides and a yellow to fiery orange belly. A dark flap sits at the back of each gill cover, and breeding males show a bright orange chest.2

Coloursblue-purple facedark olive barsyellow to orange bellybright orange chest (breeding males)2

Personality what they are like

An active, sociable sunfish that is busiest at dawn and dusk. Nesting males are bold defenders of their patch.1 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Trade in bluegill is prohibited in some countries, including Germany and Japan, so check local rules before keeping one.2

Home where they are happiest

Lakes, ponds, reservoirs and slow streams with deep weed beds. FishBase lists a temperature range of 1-36 C, pH 7.0-7.5 and hardness 10-15 dH.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Young fish eat tiny plankton; adults take insect larvae, zooplankton, snails, shrimp, crayfish, worms and small fish.2 1

Company who they like around

Males nest in colonies, sometimes dozens of nests side by side.2

The story where it all began

The bluegill is native to the eastern half of North America and has been stocked widely for sport fishing across the continent and beyond. In 1960 the mayor of Chicago gave bluegills to Crown Prince Akihito, and descendants of those fish spread through Japan.2 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Bluegill nest colonies have been recorded with as many as 272 nests packed together.2
2
Males follow three different breeding strategies: large nest-guarding parents, sneakers and satellites that mimic females.2
3
In summer a bluegill eats around 3.2% of its body weight each day.2
4
Under good conditions a bluegill can spawn when only four months old.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2018)1
State of Illinois: Official state fish of Illinois2
USGS: Two subspecies: L. m. mystacalis (Peninsular Florida) and L. m. macrochirus3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Bluegill. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingOnly in the warm seasonevery day
Pond checkevery day
Water testevery 2 weeks
Filter cleanevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Bluegill?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding your Bluegill once daily, but only during the warm season. In cooler months, their metabolism slows and they may need less or no food. Always watch their behavior and adjust as needed.1 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Bluegill eat, and what should it never eat?

Bluegills eat insect larvae, zooplankton, snails, shrimp, crayfish, worms, and small fish. Young fish also eat tiny plankton. Never feed them anything that could spoil the water or harm their digestion; ask a vet or good breeder for a safe list.1 2

How much space does a Bluegill need?

Bluegills need a large pond or tank that mimics a lake or slow stream with deep weed beds. The exact size varies with the number of fish, so ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for guidance.1

What temperature, light or water does a Bluegill need?

They thrive in water temperatures between 1-36°C, with a pH of 7.0-7.5 and hardness of 10-15 dH. Provide natural light cycles and deep weed beds for cover. Furry Diary's plan includes a water test every two weeks.1 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean a Bluegill's home?

Furry Diary's plan suggests a daily pond check and a filter clean every 30 days. Regular water testing every two weeks helps keep conditions stable. Adjust cleaning based on your setup and fish load. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Bluegill live with others?

Yes, Bluegills are sociable and males nest in colonies, sometimes with dozens of nests side by side. They are active and busiest at dawn and dusk, so they enjoy company. Just ensure enough space and hiding spots.1 2

How long does a Bluegill live?

Bluegills typically live between 5 and 11 years with proper care. A good diet, clean water, and a suitable habitat help them reach their full lifespan.1 2

Can I handle a Bluegill?

Bluegills are not meant to be handled; they are active fish that prefer to swim freely. Handling can stress them and damage their protective slime coat. Enjoy watching them from outside the tank or pond.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Pumpkinseed

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

FishBase: Lepomis macrochirus fishbase.seused for size, weight, age, native range, water parameters, diet, IUCN status
Wikipedia: Bluegill en.wikipedia.orgused for size, record, colours, diet, colonies, lifespan, state fish, names, history, fun facts
USGS NAS: Lepomis macrochirus fact sheet nas.er.usgs.govused for native range, maximum length, subspecies, history

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.