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Life History and Behavior
Sunfish are very common lake and pond fish but may also be found in small rivers and creeks. They prefer quiet and vegatated fresh water habitats with firm bottoms. Sunfish mostly eat plankton, worms, insects, and crustaceans but have been known to feed on small fishes and fish eggs. Both sunfish and bass swim in loose schools around underwater structures like piers and debris piles. The males build nests in shallow water and actively guard the eggs and their young defending them from predators and other male sunfish.
Human Interaction
Sunfish are very popular sportfish in the United States. Kids especially enjoy them as they are abundant and easy to catch. People enjoy eating many varieties of sunfish. Sunfish have been introduced outside their indigenous habitats in the United States and other countries. They have successfully integrated in the western United States but some countries report that they have become an ecological problem. Sunfish are used in physiological and ecological experiments.