NPSpecies

The data source confirming park status is over 10 years old. The park status value was chosen due to the lack of current evidence for the occurrence of this species in the park.; Data Source: Britt, 1993

Data Source: Britt, 1993

Data Source: Britt, 1993

Park Species Detail: Britt, 1993: Lepomis auritus, redbreast sunfish (resident, native). The redbreast's original distribution is the Atlantic slope of North America ranging from New Brunswick, Canada to central Florida, and westW'ard to the Appalachian Mountains, the Appalachicola River, and eastern Alabama. Currently, they are also found in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kentucky. The redbreast inhabits rocky areas of coastal-plain streams, rivers and lakes. The adult total length is 90-165 mm. The maximum life span for redbreast sunfish is 7 years. They are both surface and bottom feeders, and primarily feed on aquatic insects, including caddisflies, dragonflies, beetles, midges, mayflies and some terrestrial insects. Their diet also includes detritus, snails, crayfish and small fishes. Spawning occurs in the spring and summer. Peak spawning occurs when the water temperature ranges from 68-82°F, usually in May and June. Sexual maturity is reached by 2 to 3 years of age. The nest is built by the male. Nests may be located in sheltered areas up to 2 feet deep with sand or gravel substrates. They are usually 30-36 inches in diameter and 6-8 inches deep. The amount of eggs released varies with age and size of the female; it may range from 1,000 to 10,000 in a season. Redbreast sunfish were collected from Rock Creek during the present study., Park Species Data Source: Britt et al 1993