Blackbanded sunfish
Blackbanded sunfish | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Perciformes |
Family: | Centrarchidae |
Genus: | Enneacanthus |
Species: | E. chaetodon
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Binomial name | |
Enneacanthus chaetodon (Baird, 1855)
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Synonyms[2] | |
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The blackbanded sunfish (Enneacanthus chaetodon) is a freshwater fish species of the sunfish family (Centrarchidae). They are found in the United States ranging from New Jersey to central Florida.[1]> The defining feature of this Black-banded sunfish is the black vertical strips that it has on both sides of its body. The term "Enneacanthus" comes from the Greek terms ennea, which means "nine times", and acanthi, which means "thorn".[2] It is in a genus that consists of only three species along with the Banded Sunfish (Enneacanthus obesus) and the Bluespotted Sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus). Collectively, they are commonly referred to as the "Banded Sunfish" or "Little Sunfish".[3]
Description
The Black-banded sunfish is fairly small, maximum length of 10 cm, with an average life span of 3–4 years. The average length of this sunfish is around 6 centimeters. The Black-banded sunfish has a very compressed, deep body with a small mouth but big lower jaw extending upwards.
Sexual dimorphism
Generally the males are heavier and more colorful than the females.[3] The males also are larger with longer fins, while the females become plumper when ripe with eggs.[5]
Habitat
The Black-banded Sunfish Enneacanthus chaetodon are found in the United States from New Jersey to central Florida. There are also reports that these fish are in the Delaware Valley, but there have not been any success in collecting fish from this area.[3] Black-banded sunfish are restricted to shallow, low-velocity, non-turbid waters of lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. They are strongly associated with aquatic plants, because it provides them with a habitat for foraging and cover. The fish population has been hurt over the past few years due to poor water conditions and pollution.[6]
Diet
The Black-banded Sunfish are
Behavior
The Black-banded sunfish is a peaceful, friendly fish that likes to group with others of the same species. They can, however, become aggressive and territorial when spawning.[5]
Reproduction
Black-banded sunfish are like other sunfish, with the male staking out a nest site normally among plants. Females lay their eggs in the nest, and then the males will drive them off. Like other sunfish, the males will guard their eggs until hatching and sometimes perhaps for a week after until the fry are free swimming.[6]
Threats and protection needs
The Black-banded sunfish is critically imperiled and vulnerable in much of its range along the
References
- ^ . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
- ^ a b Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2019). "Enneacanthus chaetodon" in FishBase. December 2019 version.
- ^ a b c d e "Blackbanded Sunfish". Animal World. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- ^ a b c "Blackbanded sunfish (Enneacanthus chaetodon)" (PDF). PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- ^ a b c "Enneacanthus chaetodon - Blackbanded sunfish". Tropical Fish. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- ^ a b "Enneacanthus chaetodon (Baird, 1855) Blackbanded Sunfish". Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved 24 May 2020.