Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Fishin' 2009

FWIW, it looks like a PS to me. Color and patterning is not right for a RES.

Either RES (or PS, IIRC) should not have reproducing in Illinois. My RES manage on a straight clay bottom. Their spawning/recruitment numbers will not be anywhere near those of BG, however, in most situations. I would say "always", but Lusk has reported ponds wheree RES thrive & BG don't for some reason.