Bluegill

Bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus

Also known as bream, brim, and sunfish, bluegills are freshwater fish of the genus Lepomis, a name derived from Greek which roughly means scaled gill cover. While other common names include perch and sunperch, they are not related to perch which belong to the genus Perca. Bluegills can be found in streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds, and prefer to hide in debris found within bodies of water. While their native range is mainly along the Great Lakes and Mississippi River, they can be found in most states where they have been unintentionally and intentionally introduced, especially as fodder for the sporting fish largemouth bass. Bluegills can reach up to 30 cm (12 in) in length and though they will feed on smaller fish, they will also feed on water fleas, frogs, and various insects.