I got up this morning and decided to rake some FA from around the spawning area of the pond. In the process, I raked up this little guy hiding in the FA. My dad used to call them pumpkin seed, but I've since learned that species doesnt exist around here. I'm thinking it's a Longear. Regardless, it sure is a pretty little fish. Actually raked up two very near to each other. I've never seen more than just a handful swimming around in 2 1/2 years.
The ear tab is long like a longear but isn't as bright an orange as I am used to seeing. I was wondering if it may be a dollar sunfish given the small mouth and olive coloration. There is a lot of variation in longears though where each native drainage seems to have longears of distinguishable appearance. Below are some pics of a Dollar sunfish.
