Lepomis macrochirus

Bluegills are part of the sunfish family and are usually a deep blue and purple with olive-colored bands down the side, and a fiery orange to yellow belly. Breeding males generally have a deeper blue and orange coloration on their flanks. Adult Bluegills can be found living in deep weed beds in freshwater. Active mainly during dusk and dawn they feed on crayfish, insects, worms and small minnows. They are generally 8 inches in length though some have grown as large as 12 inches and can weigh as much as 4.5 lbs. Maximum reported lifespan in the wild is 10 years.