Pumpkinseed Bluegill
- Thread starter tomstanks
- Start date
I just did a search on Illinois regs. and found that there is no state restriction on size or number taken of any of the bluegills in Illinois, this includes the warmouth (Lepomis gulosis) or the pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus), this pic is the pumpkinseed and is by Ueberschar. They are widespread and not threatened or endangered. They are often stunted in the overcrowded waters that they inhabit and will start breeding as small as 3" but under proper conditions can reach 16"long but that is rare, 10" is considered large for this species. They do best in well oxygenated, unheated tanks with gravel bottoms and plants. They are easy to feed and will readily adapt to pellets with supplements of worms, crickets, mealworms, and small bait fish like gambusia. A 50g (long) would be ideal for a large pair, and a 75-90g tank would support 2 pairs, bullheads of the appropriate size would be a nice choice of tank mates.
I would call the Illinois Department of Natural Resources before collecting them, I would also treat them with anti-parasite medicated food and 10 days in a salted tank (2 teaspoons of salt per gallon) for two weeks when first acquired, this is to prevent unwelcome suprizes later on. They are a hardy fish and will rapidly become accustomed to being fed by you.
I would call the Illinois Department of Natural Resources before collecting them, I would also treat them with anti-parasite medicated food and 10 days in a salted tank (2 teaspoons of salt per gallon) for two weeks when first acquired, this is to prevent unwelcome suprizes later on. They are a hardy fish and will rapidly become accustomed to being fed by you.
Both sunfish species make great fish to keep. They are highly intelligent and have great personalitys. Pumpkiseeds are smaller then bluegill so that might be a factor in your choice. Gupppy gave great info on them, they are a lot like cichlids in many ways and their care is about the same.
Me and my kids catch them on light tackle all the time.tough little fish.Very pretty would make a nice display. 