Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Differentiating between male and female bluegill

Exemplary gravid female BG shape, Cecil.

The coloration is certainly vivid enough to seem like a mature male (which is probably why you and Bill and Bruce state that one must have a feel for the local BG population's coloration scheme before sexing them successfully). I can't see the opercule very well because she is so dark, but I notice that she has no shoulders, helmet, or breast plate the way I would expect a male BG of that large size to exhibit. So you have to consider all the evidence, don't you?