Spring Pygmy Sunfish
This tiny sunfish survives in clear vegetated springs of the Tennessee Valley, where groundwater quantity and aquatic plants matter more than open water.
Artwork inspired by Clara Weaver Parrish
Breeding males darken dramatically and flash iridescent blue-green bars; females and nonbreeding fish are subtle among stems. The species lives close to dense submerged vegetation, feeding and spawning within a few centimeters of cover.
Its known range has repeatedly contracted as springs were ditched, impounded, polluted, or dewatered. Do not dip-net or enter occupied spring runs: even careful feet can crush vegetation holding eggs and fish.
- Known springs
- Alabama
- Breeding color
- iridescent male bars
- Plant cover
- clear groundwater flow
Quick guide
- Recognition
- Tiny body; breeding males nearly black with brilliant blue-green vertical bars.
- Habitat
- Cool clear spring runs, flooded vegetation, and low-current wetlands.
Recognize it through habitat and behavior
- Recognition
- Tiny body; breeding males nearly black with brilliant blue-green vertical bars.
- Habitat
- Cool clear spring runs, flooded vegetation, and low-current wetlands.
- Ecology
- Spawns among dense aquatic plants and feeds on minute invertebrates.
- Observe responsibly
- Stay out of occupied springs and never collect, seine, or move vegetation.
Good to know
Stay out of occupied springs and never collect, seine, or move vegetation. Even careful wading can crush the aquatic plants that shelter eggs and breeding fish.
Notice these
- iridescent male bars
- submerged spring plants
- clear groundwater flow