Bob, this is where we get into trouble with colloquial names. The name Pumpkinseed is used for multiple species here in the Missouri and it depends on who you are talking to. Most people in the majority of Missouri calling anything Pumpkinseed are referring to Central Longear Sunfish. Those living in the Boot Heel region of Missouri are referring to two species, the first is another low land form of Longear Sunfish (not same as Central Longerar) and the second is the Western Dollar Sunfish. The latter two are often sympatric and most folks do not distinguish between them even when in hand at same time. The fish called Pumpkinseed in the northern tier of states is the smaller mollusc eating critter with a red spot in opercular tab like the Redear has. There is also another Longear Sunfish (Northern Longear) that occurs in part of the Pumpkinseed's same general range and it often has a red spot on its opercular tab as well. I am not saying who is related to who in this mess. Their may have been some hybridization that helped these forms come into being.
