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Scientific Name
Lepomis microlophus
Other Names
Chinquapin, Shellcracker, Stump knocker, Government bream, Cherry gill.
Body
Redear have an elongated body, small mouth, and pointed snout. Redear are dark olive with yellow on their sides and belly. These fish are identified by a distinctive red edge (in males) or orange edge (in females) on the gill cover (ear flap). The red margin on the "ear flap" is where they get their name. Redear usually weigh less than 1 pound but can weigh over 4 pounds and reach lengths of 14 inches. These fish usually live between five and six years but can live as long as nine years.
Description
Redear have an elongated body, small mouth, and pointed snout. Redear are dark olive with yellow on their sides and belly. These fish are identified by a distinctive red edge (in males) or orange edge (in females) on the gill cover (ear flap). The red margin on the “ear flap” is where they get their name. Redear usually weigh less than 1 pound but can weigh over 4 pounds and reach lengths of 14 inches. These fish usually live between five and six years but can live as long as nine years.
Habits and Habitat
Redear feed on the bottom for snails, and clams as well as insects, insect larvae and crustaceans. Reach down their mouth into their throat with your pinky and you'll discover the crushers they use to crunch up snail and clams shells. Because of their feeding habits, they are usually larger than bluegill in the same waters. They prefer clear quiet waters with abundant vegetation. Spawning occurs in spring and early summer in water temperatures near 70°F. redear normally only spawn times a year. Redear construct nests close together when spawning.
State Record
Mississippi's Rod and Rell record 3.33 pounds, caught by James K. Marin at Tippah County Lake in 1991.
Fishing Fact
Fishing on the bottom using natural baits such as earthworms and grubs in an effective way to fish for redear. They are less likely to take artificial baits than other sunfish.