I have a particular interest in RES. Did searches to see what I could find out from older threads, so decided the effort might benefit others interested specifically in Redear Sunfish (RES) also. Below are the links to old threads I found with useful info on RES. Newer links are listed in another post down below.
Unknown Facts RES 2009 starting page 10 ---------------------------------------------------- I get the uneasy feeling that Redear are mean? Dare I swim in the pond again?????? ---------------------------------------------------- mtalley: Today I spotted three large RES in the shallow end of my pond. Wonder what they were plotting? Bruce Condello: That's easy....Your demise. Sheesk! Maybe I don't want these fish in my pond after all!!!!!
I went back and looked at the management link Bruce management link ............notice Bruce is only displaying 3 fingers????? Hmmmm? Maybe there is a reason he raises such big RES and only 3 fingers showing? Feeding a little more than AquaMax Bruce???......LOL OK, OK I got side tracked. Reading all that scary stuff made me go back and look.
If others have useful links to RES, please add them as I am interested.
Ok, esshup, thanks for adding the picture,.....I think.
But now I am worried.
A month ago, before reading all the unknown facts and leaving to warmer climates for the winter, I took our 10 gallon aquarium with 4, 3" RES and bequeathed it to my three smallest grandkids that are in the 6-10 year old range. The grandkids were going to grow the (pellet trained) fish up and we would release the RES next spring into the newly refurbished pond I created for them last fall. Reclaiming a 50 year old pond
This article gives me additional insight into my "RES heavy" pond I desire in this thread green sunfish in RES pond thread The Missouri research was of particular interest, as it showed good RES population in the presence of GSF.
12-19-2015 Pumpkinseed tendencies This thread is about PS, but there is lots of discussion of how they compare to RES and how they do together with RES
2-27-2016 RES cold tolerence This thread is about ice out, and starting with this post discusses RES tolerance to cold and winter survival
I have a new small batch of RES in my 75 gallon aquarium that I am pellet training just for fun, I'll toss an occasional cricket in the feed ring and it is "gone in .6 seconds".
I still haven't figured out what exactly it is about AM500 they don't like, might be taste, texture, or both, but half of them have figured out that AM500 is better than going hungry. I watched my largest RES (5") eat ten AM500 pellets in a few minutes two weeks ago, once they figure it out they seem to be OK with pellets.
Here is the specific quote from Shawn: I'll break down the table that Ewest pasted. L. macrochirus is the bluegill and L. microlophus is the redear. The real interesting tidbit from this table (Tabel 2- the top table) involves the food items. The taxonomy might confuse you, but everything listed is either an invertebrate or a plant. EXCEPT for the heading Osteichthyes- these are fish. Notice the how many fish were found in the redear's gut? None.
He notes that there were no fish eaten by RES. I also noticed that in general there was very little fish consumption for all the sunfish. Could this be because the BOW's where the studies were done had abundant other forage? I had always heard and thought that BG and other sunfish did a number on small fish fry. Maybe eating fish is only done when more preferred/easier to catch other food is not available.
I was thinking Shorty said his FHM's would disappear at night when put in with his RES. So they surely eat fish under some conditions, but obviously not in that study in that BOW.
Notice in the bottom studies, there are no RES included, so can't tell anything specifically about RES.
But look how few fish were found in the stomachs of the various sunfish. Some studies none and others only a very few. Even the much maligned GSF has not eaten many fish. Mostly other stuff.
Seems strange to me. Must have had plenty of other preferred stuff to eat. Or maybe time of year study was done?????
Snrub, overall length of a FHM seemed to play a big role in whether or not my aquarium RES would actually eat a FHM or not. Mine definitely had a size/length preference for eating smaller and shorter fish.
If the FHM was too long and the tail stuck out of the RES mouth they would spit the FHM out most of the time, if they could fit the entire FHM in their mouth they would pop their jaw several times, crush it, and eat it. When they were smaller and eating night crawler pieces I inadvertently cut some night crawler chunks that were longer than normal, and they simply refused to eat the longer pieces. My thought was that maybe they needed to have their mouth closed completely in order to utilize their crusher teeth in the back of their throat.
I do know there has been at least one study done on RES and size preferences of snails that they eat. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society - Article first published online: 3 APR 2007
Prey-size Preference, Maximum Handling Size, and Consumption Rates for Redear Sunfish Lepomis microlophus Feeding on Two Gastropods Common to Aquaculture Ponds
Abstract Maximum handling sizes, prey size and species preferences, and ad libitum consumption rates were determined for three size classes of redear sunfish Lepomis microlophus feeding on Physa gyrina and Helisoma trivolvis, two common aquaculture-pond snails which serve as intermediate hosts for fish parasites. Maximum handling-size experiments indicated that redear sunfish as small as 14-cm total length were capable of consuming all sizes of Physa typically observed in ponds, whereas only redear sunfish of at least 32-cm total length are capable of consuming all commonly observed sizes of pond-dwelling Helisoma. When presented with a range of sizes of both snail species, redear sunfish consumed higher proportions of smaller- and medium-sized snails; the largest snails offered were uneaten or consumed in relatively small quantities. Multiple linear regression was applied to consumption data to develop a simple model for predicting mean daily ad libitum consumption rate (g/g per d) for redear sunfish feeding on snails with temperature (20–27 C) and fish total length (9–24 cm) as independent variables. Our findings will facilitate prediction of numbers of redear sunfish of a given size required to control populations of Physa and Helisoma in ponds. Such predictions will enable pond owners to quickly evaluate whether stocking redear sunfish as a control agent for undesirable snail populations will be economically and logistically feasible. Findings also indicate potential limitations in the use of redear sunfish to control populations of Helisoma due to the inability of redear sunfish as large as 24-cm total length to consume the largest 30–40% of Helisoma commonly observed in ponds and to the expense of stocking larger fish (32-cm total length) capable of consuming all sizes of Helisoma.
Pat, you can call Stacy from the number on their web site and ask her. Or just order direct from them. They are a small family business and Steve is a great guy.
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.
Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
Redear sunfish display great variation in spawning season. Within most of their range, redear sunfish usually begin to spawn in May to June, and may continue to spawn until September (Schoffman 1939; Dineen 1968; Pflieger 1975). Redear may spawn sparingly during the summer and heavily in the early fall (Swingle 1949). In Florida redear sunfish begin to spawn in late February or early March and continue to spawn intermittently until October 1 (Clugston 1966). In the northern reaches of their distribution (Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana), nesting begins in May to July and generally does not extend into late summer (Krumholz 1950; Cole 1951; Childers 1967).
The eggs are laid in saucer-shaped nests, fanned free of debris (Gresham 1965; Wilbur 1969). Redear tend to be community spawners, often with nests only a few inches from each other (McCl ane 1955; Clugston 1966; Emi g 1966; Pflieger 1975). Nests have been found at water depths from approximately 5 to 10 cm (Swingle and Smith 1947; Gresham 1965; Emig 1966) to 4 to 6 m (Wilbur 1969). Gresham (1965) and Clugston (1966) reported that nests were usually at water depths of 45 to 90 cm. McClane (1955) reported that spawning most often occurred at depths of 91 to 122 cm in the St. Johns River; Swingle and Smith (1947) reported that nests in ponds were most often at water depths of at least 183 cm.
Quote:
Redear sunfish grew faster and reproduced more abundantly in average turbidities of s 25 ppm (Buck 1956b). Although redear sunfish were reported to reproduce and young redear were recovered in a pond with a high turbidity (174 ppm) in one study, the critical level for successful reproduction and growth over time is probably between 75 and 100 ppm (Buck 1956b). Although redear prefer clear waters, redear sunfish seem to be more tolerant of turbidity than bass or bluegills (Buck 1956b; Smith 1979).
Quote:
Adult. The best growth for redear was reported to occur at temperatures \of 23.9° C by Rounsefell and Everhart (1953), but Leidy and Jenkins (1977) reported the optimum or preferred temperature for growth of bluegill s , sma11mouth bass, and largemouth bass to be 27° C. At acclimation temperatures of 16° C, 21° C, and 26° C the redear sunfish selected temperatures at 22° C, 23° C, and 28° C, respectively (Hill et al. 1975). From this information the author assumes optimal temperatures for redear growth range from 24 to 27° C. Cole (1951) reported that bacterial fin rot and fungus attacked redear sunfish almost continuously in aquaria once temperatures fall below 14.4° C. Below 6.6° C, redear were inactive and did not feed. It is assumed that redear growth ceases when temperatures fall below 10° C, as is true for bluegills (Anderson 1958). A lower lethal temperature of 6.5° C was determined in reservoirs by Leidy and Jenkins (1977). Redear sunfish are susceptible to rapid temperature changes (Swingle 1949; Rounsefell and Everhart 1953).
Note the important temperature related information from the above study are these notes: C. Cole (1951) reported that bacterial fin rot and fungus attacked redear sunfish almost continuously in aquaria once temperatures fall below 58F(14.4°C). Below 44F(6.6°C), redear were inactive and did not feed. It is assumed that redear growth ceases when temperatures fall below 50F(10°C), as is true for bluegills (Anderson 1958). A lower lethal temperature of 43.7F(6.5°C) was determined in reservoirs by Leidy and Jenkins (1977). Redear sunfish are susceptible to rapid temperature changes (Swingle 1949; Rounsefell and Everhart 1953).
aka Pond Doctor & Dr. Perca Read Pond Boss Magazine - America's Journal of Pond Management
Temperature information on RES was what I was looking for in my search when I ran across this article. A thread over on Big Bluegill about ice fishing for RES does come up at the top of the list when you Google " redear sunfish 39 degrees ". I wonder if RES caught through the ice will likely end up with a fungal infection if they are released. (I'm Thinking about the RES TJ recently caught.)
The other topics I found interesting were "salinity", "turbidity", "reproduction", and the aquatic "vegetation" notes.
Quote:
Redear adults typically occur in deeper, open waters and only move shoreward to spawn (Chable 1947; Cole 1951; McClane 1955; Lopinot 1961; Wilbur 1969), although Wilbur (1969) reported that greater densities of redear occurred in the peripheral deep water areas near submergent vegetation. Wilbur (1969) concluded that, except during spawning season, emergent vegetation was of lesser importance to redear than open water areas.
Based on my aquarium observations I suspect that RES are much more light sensitive than other sunfish and this is the primary reason that they stay deep during day. Like clockwork my aquarium RES move up in the water column once the light goes out every night. Water clarity/turbidity likely plays a significant role in how deep they typically reside during the day. I suspect that RES move up shallow to feed every night once the sun goes down. If I am right there should be very significant differences in the capture rates of RES by electroshocking during the day vs. electroshocking after sunset.
I suspect that RES move up shallow to feed every night once the sun goes down. If I am right there should be very significant differences in the capture rates of RES by electroshocking during the day vs. electroshocking after sunset.
The ones I have caught in shallow water were around sunset or at least when the sun was very low in the sky and the lighting was getting subdued.
Your observation would seem to make sense in relation to snails. I don't know how many snails reside deep, but the high numbers I have seen are along the shore line on the fresh algae on the rocks or plants. It would seem the RES would want to move up into this shallow water at some time during the day to take advantage of these snails.
I do know the snails move deeper and under the rocks more than on top of them as the water cools, but my visible snail population is way down this fall compared to what it was last fall when I added an additional 125 3" RES to my main pond. The ones of those fish I have caught are in the 6-7" range now and I think they have worked on the snails a bunch this year.
"C. Cole (1951) reported that bacterial fin rot and fungus attacked redear sunfish almost continuously in aquaria once temperatures fall below 58F(14.4°C)."
When this happened in my RAS system it was mostly a result from netting fish to look at them.
A tracking study of RES is a very good idea. Too bad RES do not survive in the South Dakota region. The Pond Boss family could take up a special collection to help fund the RES tracking study at SDSUniv. Do fishery biologists do tracking studies of any species in the sunfish family or are the fish too small for inserting the tracking devices? ewest - any tracking studies published for any of the sunfishes?
Last edited by Bill Cody; 11/24/1402:21 PM.
aka Pond Doctor & Dr. Perca Read Pond Boss Magazine - America's Journal of Pond Management
Given the nitche that they fill, and how that they are not a "mainstream" fish to people that aren't really familiar with pond fish, I think it's a valid question.
I figured out why sometimes the orange/red on the opercular tab does not show up very well in my pictures. While holding the fish what I observed is that as the fish breathes and moves its gill cover, as it expands the opercular tab pushes away from the fish body, the orange tab slumps, and no longer being against the fish body does not show up well in the picture.
Many times I have caught a RES, it is obviously a RES, I take the picture, then at some later time I look at the picture on a larger computer screen and it shows up hardly at all or faintly.
Both of these fish had a very distinct, solid, orange border on the end of the opercular tab. The first picture shows up "ok" but the second fish hardly at all. But it was there. Not a translucent tab like on a GSF, but solid like RES.
Temperature information on RES was what I was looking for in my search when I ran across this article. A thread over on Big Bluegill about ice fishing for RES does come up at the top of the list when you Google " redear sunfish 39 degrees ". I wonder if RES caught through the ice will likely end up with a fungal infection if they are released. (I'm Thinking about the RES TJ recently caught.)
The other topics I found interesting were "salinity", "turbidity", "reproduction", and the aquatic "vegetation" notes.
Quote:
Redear adults typically occur in deeper, open waters and only move shoreward to spawn (Chable 1947; Cole 1951; McClane 1955; Lopinot 1961; Wilbur 1969), although Wilbur (1969) reported that greater densities of redear occurred in the peripheral deep water areas near submergent vegetation. Wilbur (1969) concluded that, except during spawning season, emergent vegetation was of lesser importance to redear than open water areas.
Based on my aquarium observations I suspect that RES are much more light sensitive than other sunfish and this is the primary reason that they stay deep during day. Like clockwork my aquarium RES move up in the water column once the light goes out every night. Water clarity/turbidity likely plays a significant role in how deep they typically reside during the day. I suspect that RES move up shallow to feed every night once the sun goes down. If I am right there should be very significant differences in the capture rates of RES by electroshocking during the day vs. electroshocking after sunset.
If I want to get my best rate of catch for fingerlings with my cast net in my forage pond, I throw it very near shore just before or slightly after sunset before dark. I will get a few out in deeper water, but near shore is best. Mid day bright sunshine and warm water I will be lucky to get one fingerling per cast.
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