Lepomis peltastes
Lepomis peltastes Cope, 1870
Northern sunfish
Lepomis peltastes
photo by Eakins, R.

Family:  Centrarchidae (Sunfishes)
Max. size:  14.8 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  North America: St. Lawrence-Great Lakes, Hudson Bay (Red River), and upper Mississippi River basin from Ontario in Canada to Minnesota, and south to Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa (where extirpated) in USA.
Diagnosis:  Presence of red spot on upwardly slanted ear flap. Pectoral fin usually with 40 rays. Lateral line with 40 or fewer scales (Ref. 86798).
Biology:  Inhabits rocky and sandy pools of headwaters, creeks, and small to medium rivers. Usually found near vegetation (Ref. 86798).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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