But this is a mature, smaller male bluegill that may be acting as a "sneaker" or "cuckholder". The coloration is much more drab, the ear tab isn't as big, but he can't quite hide the slightly longer ear tab.
This fish was verified as a male shortly before I ate him. He is using the muted color and smaller stature to be able to hang around Mr. Big Boy's nest without being attacked. When the female moves in to lay the eggs he sneaks out of the weeds and "provides a little genetic information".
