Lepomis megalotis (Rafinesque 1820)

Nests side by side arranged in dense colonies near shore. Male digs nest and defends territory during prespawning period. Female approaches nesting colony when nest completed. Mating pairs swim in circles over nest, stop for short intervals to release sperm and egg. Male may chase mate away from nest, female may come back to same nest or move on to mate with another (Ref 4543).

Nearly always found in shallow water, preferring habitats with dense vegetation in small lakes, ponds and slow moving rivers and streams. Feed on small aquatic invertebrates, insects, and occasionally small fishes (Ref. 4543).

Nearly always found in shallow water, preferring habitats with dense vegetation in small lakes, ponds and slow moving rivers and streams. Feed on small aquatic invertebrates, insects, and occasionally small fishes. (Ref. 4543, 10294).

aquarium: public aquariums