In many areas, this fish is sympatric with a closely related member of its genus, the banded sunfish (E. obesus). The two species are hard to tell apart. They are known to hybridize.[5]
Description
This fish reaches about 9.5 centimetres (3.7 in) in maximum length.[6] It is one of the smallest fish in its family.[7] It has spines in its dorsal and anal fins. Its tail fin is rounded in outline. Its body is covered in white or blue dots.[6] Some individuals have iridescent spots.[5] There may be a few pale bars on its sides,[6] but these are rare, especially in adults.[5]
Several aspects of the life history of the fish vary geographically. Fish on the East Coast and in Florida are larger than individuals in Mississippi, for example. The fish becomes sexually mature at larger sizes in more northern latitudes. This may be because fish in milder climates can begin reproductive investment earlier, putting their energy into gonadal growth instead of body growth at younger ages. Fish in the east can reach a maximum age around 5 years, but fish in the south generally do not reach that age. The spawning season is also much longer in southern regions, probably because of warmer temperatures and longer photoperiod.[9]
This freshwater fish occupies ponds, lakes, creeks, streams, and medium-sized rivers. It can tolerate slightly brackish water in areas near the coast. It thrives in small backwaters filled with vegetation and tree roots.[1][3]
The fish spawns several times in a season, sometimes daily for a long period of time.[9] The male builds a nest in the substrate or in plant matter.[1] Clutch sizes of 42 to 216 have been observed.[9]
^ abcdeFuller, P.; G. Jacobs; J. Larson; T.H. Makled & A. Fusaro (8 January 2020). "Enneacanthus gloriosus (Holbrook, 1855)". Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL. U.S. Geological Survey. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
^Mayes, M. A. (1973). "Monogenetic trematodes from the bluespot sunfish Enneacanthus gloriosus (Holbrook) in North Carolina". Transactions of the American Microscopical Society. 92 (2): 280–284. doi:10.2307/3224926. JSTOR3224926. PMID4699870.
^ abKraft, C.E.; D.M. Carlson; M. Carlson (2006). "Bluespotted Sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus)". Inland Fishes of New York (Online). Version 4.0. Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.