All mixed up

Comment

Comment by Walt Foreman on June 8, 2011 at 7:52pm

Definitely a bluegill-redear cross.

Comment by Tony Livingston on June 8, 2011 at 6:22pm

What I see that says RES to me, is the "cheek" area. The spotted, mottled coloring looks like a RES. The deep almost brown underbelly, that runs all the way to the anal fin says RES. The mouth projects forward, and the lips are large for a BG. I would guess that if the fish were turned in the right light, that a tiny hint of orange might appear on the edge of the opercular flap.

The biggest RES in my ponds don't always display the bright red eartab.. spawning colors, and water staining/clarity can sometimes diminish it.

If it were a "typical" HBG, I think you would see more coloration on the edges of the fins and tail, the mouth would be larger, and the jawline would extend further back.

Comment by Zach Pierce on June 8, 2011 at 2:23pm

What gives the RES traits.  I can see a dark HBG, but where does the RES come out?

Comment by Jim Gronaw on June 8, 2011 at 1:23pm

Certainly appears to have male characteristics...great fish!

Comment by Tony Livingston on June 8, 2011 at 11:08am

One of my ponds has a few of these in it...

I figured them for a Bluegill - Redear cross also.

Comment by Bruce Condello on June 8, 2011 at 10:45am

BG X RES

Comment by Steve Ryan on June 8, 2011 at 9:52am

YES, but with what?

Comment by Bruce Condello on June 8, 2011 at 8:24am

Hybrid?