Photo: Brian Gratwicke, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Everglades pygmy sunfish
Elassoma evergladei
3 cm
Adult size
40 L
Minimum volume
4
Minimum group
4 years
Lifespan
Water parameters
Understand these values- Genus
- Elassoma
- Diet
- carnivore
- Social life
- small group
In the wild
Overview
This tiny pygmy sunfish (3 cm), of the family Elassomatidae, is a warm-temperate fish whose males turn black with blue highlights in the breeding season.
- Scientific name
- Elassoma evergladei Jordan, 1884
- Classification
- Centrarchiformes › Elassomatidae
- IUCN Red List
- Least concern (LC)
Natural habitat
Southeastern United States: from North Carolina to Alabama and the northern Everglades (Florida)
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Rivers and lakes
It lives in marshes, heavily vegetated oxbows and small slow streams, usually over mud. It spawns among vegetation, preferably on hornwort (Ceratophyllum).
Behaviour
Peaceful and discreet, it is kept in a small group in a heavily planted species tank or with other calm micro fish. It feeds on worms and small crustaceans: live or frozen prey. It tolerates a wide range of temperatures, including cool water.