Zig,
I couldn't swear to it but I think its a Longear or what we call Red Bellies here in N Central Fla.
Its wearin its winter duds. Durin the spawn they put on their bright colors. Deep orange belly and the verticle bars are more pronounced. http://www.thejump.net/id/redbreast-sunfish.htm
Permalink Reply by Zig on January 21, 2009 at 6:46pm
If this is indeed a cross that includes LES somewhere in the equation, it opens up a whole new box of questions.
LES are considered endangered in PA.
GES are quite common.
In the particular body of water this fish came from, GES are present but not common.
In order to obtain this type of cross, would a fish from either species need to be present, or could this happen as a genetic re-occurance from a blood line?
If it is a possible re-occurance, is there a possibility of an increased population of this specific cross?
I took the picture because it's appearance captured my attention. It wasn't until I looked back at the pictures (after filleting) that I realized what I may have had............................