Dollar Sunfish

Lepomis marginatus

The dollar sunfish (Lepomis marginatus) is a small freshwater fish in the family Centrarchidae. Adults reach about 12 cm with a deep, laterally compressed body displaying olive-green to brownish coloration with rows of iridescent blue-green to turquoise spots on the sides. The opercular flap has a distinctive light-colored margin. Males become intensely colorful during breeding season with vivid blue, green, and orange tones. This species inhabits slow-moving streams, swamps, springs, and vegetated lake margins at depths of 0-3 meters across the southeastern United States, from the Carolinas to Texas. Dollar sunfish prefer areas with abundant vegetation and woody debris. They feed on small insects, crustaceans, and snails. Males construct and guard nests in sandy or gravelly substrates. Their small size and brilliant breeding colors make them popular subjects for freshwater underwater photography.