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Centrarchidae Genus Level Identifiers

General things to look for:

GenusAmbloplites(rock basses)- Typical bright sunfish coloration absent. Sometimes called "redeye" due to distinctive red iris. Lower jaw projecting. Dorsal fin with 10 or 11 spines. Anal fin with 5 or more spines and 11 or fewer soft rays.

Genus Centrarchus (flier)- A single species exists within this genus. Dorsal fin with 12-13 spines. Anal fin with 7 or 8 spines and 14 or more soft rays.

Genus Enneacanthus(sunfish)- Caudel fin slightly rounded. Dorsal fin with 8 or 9 spines. Anal fin with 3 spines.

Genus Lepomis (sunfish)- Often brightly colored, especially \ during the breeding season (see fig. 2). Dorsal fin with 9 to 12 spines and 10-12 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines.

Genus Micropterus (black basses)- Body elongate. Distinctive notch between spinous and soft dorsal fin. Dorsal fin with usually 10 spines and 10-15 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines.

Genus Pomoxis (crappies)- Body deep and compressed. Dorsal fin with 5 to 8 spines and 14-16 rays. Anal fin with 5-7 spines.

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Biological Indicators | Aquatic Biodiversity | Statistical Primer

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