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Comment

Comment by Bruce Condello on December 26, 2009 at 11:28am

Most times I'll see this type of coloration on males that are guarding nests. When males are off the nests, their chest coloration typically goes back to yellow. The females are almost always yellow breasted.

The eartab on females is usually a little more "orangey" as opposed to red, and within one body of water the females eartabs are usually more of a slit, whereby the males are more of a crescent.

Comment by Jeff Soto on December 26, 2009 at 10:18am

That's a really great reference photo for a taxidermist or fish artist! Hey Timothy... And what does it mean when Redears get that very dark coloration on their chest and throat area? Spawning coloration? So this is a male fish? I've caught them with this coloration and also with a very bright yellow chest, but it may have been different times of the year. (winter/springtime)

Comment by Jim Gronaw on December 26, 2009 at 10:07am

Classic dark coloration and brilliant eartab. Cool!

Comment by Bruce Condello on December 26, 2009 at 10:02am

Nice male shellcracker!