Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Redbreast Sunfish

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Smith (1985); Hubbs et al. (1991); Page and Burr (1991); Jenkins and Burkhead (1994).

Size: 24 cm.

Native Range: Atlantic and Gulf Slope drainages, from New Brunswick to central Florida, and west to the Apalachicola and Choctawhatchee drainages, Georgia and Florida (Page and Burr 1991).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Native range data for this species provided in part by NatureServe

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Intentional stocking for sportfishing.

Status: Established in most locations.

Impact of Introduction: There is circumstantial evidence to indicate that Redbreast Sunfish are displacing native longear sunfish (L. megalotis) in eastern Tennessee through direct competition (Etnier and Starnes 1993). Will form natural hybrids with warmouth, green, bluegill, and pumpkinseed sunfish (Scribner et al. 2001).

Remarks: In North Carolina, Menhinick (1991) lists this species as introduced into the New and Tennessee drainages. There are no records of Redbreast Sunfish from Mississippi (Scott and Crossman 1973; Lee et al. 1980 et seq.). It is also not mentioned in the manuscript on Mississippi fishes by Ross and Brenneman (1991). This species is not mentioned as occurring in Kentucky by Clay (1975). In their book on Alabama fishes, Mettee et al. (1996) presented some conflicting information regarding native versus introduced ranges. These researchers stated that Lepomis auritus is introduced to the Tennessee, Black Warrior, and Choctawhatchee drainages, but they listed the species as "native" in their summary table.

References: (click for full references)

Erdsman, D.S.  1984.  Exotic fishes in Puerto Rico, p 162-176, In:  W.R.Jr. Courtenay and J.R.Jr. Stauffer, eds. Distribution, Biology, and Management of Exotic Fishes. John Hopkins. Baltimore and London.

Etnier, D.A. and W.C. Starnes. 1993. The Fishes of Tennessee. The University of Tennessee Press, Knoxville, TN.

Red River Authority of Texas. 2001. Red and Canadian Basins Fish Inventory: Cottle County. Red River Authority of Texas.

Red River Authority of Texas. 2001. Red and Canadian Basins Fish Inventory: Grayson County. Red River Authority of Texas.

Red River Authority of Texas. 2001. Red and Canadian Basins Fish Inventory: Red River County. Red River Authority of Texas.

Scribner, K.T., K.S. Page, and M.L. Bartron. 2001. Hybridization in freshwater fishes: a review of case studies and cytonuclear methods of biological inference. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries 10:293-323.

Other Resources:

Author: Pam Fuller, and Matt Cannister

Peer Review Date: 4/12/2013

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.