You see! My initial thought was Male, because of the color, but the narrowness of the ear tab made me second guess. Yall did fine work with that comparative article. I was using it, and will continue to, to help me in the future.

So from now till fall, I should expect females to be a lighter color, short rounded opercule, while males will be typically darker and more vibrant, the opercule will be longer, but not necessarily wider or squared off, like this one was...yes?

.10 surface acre pond, 10.5 foot deep. SW LA. The epitome of a mutt pond. BG, LMB, GSF, RES, BH, Warmouth, Longear Sunfish, Gambusia,Mud Minnows, Crappie, and now shiners!!...I subscribe!!