A brightly colored, freshwater, North American bottom feeder. The Redear Sunfish generally resembles the Bluegill except for it coloration. It has an olive back, a red-tipped tail, yellow-green sides, yellow-orange belly, and brown speckles throughout. It is often referred to as the “Shellcracker” due to the fact that it has specialized molar-like teeth used for crushing snails, its preferred prey, along with other shelled creatures.
Diet
Juveniles consume insect larvae and adults primarily consume aquatic snails
Activity Pattern
Crepuscular (Active at dawn/dusk)