How to Identify The 14 Types of "Bluegill"

Most people have heard of, seen, or caught the bluegill. They are good light tackle fighters, they easily caught when they are around, and they taste delicious. One thing that you might not have noticed is that there is actually more than one type of "Bluegill". 14 of them! Here is how you can figure out which type of "Bluegill" you caught!

Key terms used in this guide
Opercular Flap - the black flap that is attached to the gill cover.
Maxillary - a fancy term for the upper jaw
Anal fin - The fin in front of the tail on the bottom side of the body
Pelvic Fin - The 2 small fins on the belly of the fish
Pectoral Fin - the soft fins on each side of the fish's body
caudal fin - a fancy term for the Tail
Dorsal Fin - the fin on the fish's back
1'st dorsal - the spiny section of the dorsal fin
Soft dorsal (2'nd Dorsal) - the section of the dorsal fin without spines
Note: In case you are wondering what in the world is a northern sunfish and a rio grande longear sunfish - these 2 species are recent splits from the Longear Sunfish. less ↑