Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus
The Bluegill is a robust, highly adaptable North American sunfish renowned as a game species and increasingly popular in large native coldwater aquariums and garden ponds.
Ideal Conditions
- Temperature
- 10 – 27 °C
- pH range
- 6.5 – 8.5
- Hardness
- 5 – 20 dGH
- Adult size
- 15 – 30 cm
- 500L minimum for an indoor aquarium, though much larger outdoor ponds are vastly preferred.
- 500 litres+
- Lifespan
- 5 – 8 years
- Diet
- Opportunistic omnivore favouring insects, small crustaceans, and smaller fish.
- Water flow
- low to moderate
- Preferred setup
- Provide open swimming areas alongside dense stands of hardy plants, submerged wood, and rocky structures to mimic natural lake margins.
About the Bluegill
Belonging to the sunfish family, Centrarchidae, the Bluegill is one of the most familiar freshwater fish in North America. They boast a deep, laterally compressed body that allows them to manoeuvre easily through dense aquatic vegetation. Although primarily known as an introductory sport fish, their engaging personalities and striking colouration make them fascinating subjects for native-themed aquatic displays.
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Where Bluegill comes from
Native range
North America
Countries / regions
United States, Canada, Mexico
Habitat
Inhabits shallow, weedy areas of lakes, ponds, slow-moving streams, and sluggish rivers.
Originally native to eastern North America, they have been widely introduced elsewhere for sport fishing and forage.
Similar species
Pumpkinseed Sunfish
Lepomis gibbosus
Green Sunfish
Lepomis cyanellus
Longear Sunfish
Lepomis megalotis
We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.
Compatible tank mates
Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.
- Great
Pumpkinseed Sunfish
Lepomis gibbosus
Shares similar water requirements, size, and temperament, making them ideal companions in a native pond setup.
- Great
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
A robust, bottom-dwelling North American native that occupies a different swimming zone and can comfortably tolerate the Bluegill's boisterous nature.
- Compatible with caution
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Often cohabitate in the wild, but large bass will readily consume small Bluegill if they can fit them in their mouths.
- Not recommended
Fathead Minnow
Pimephales promelas
Too small to be housed safely; they will be viewed as prey and quickly eaten.
- Not recommended
Fancy Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Slow-moving and easily harassed, making them an easy target for fin-nipping from territorial sunfish.
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