Mud sunfish

This species can be found along the eastern seaboard of the United States from northern Florida in the south to southern New York in the north. Within New Jersey, it is more common in the southern portion of the state.

Habitat includes darkly stained, sluggish, vegetated creeks, small to medium rivers, ponds, lakes and swamps, usually with a mud or detritus substrates.

The mud sunfish primarily feeds on small aquatic insects and crustaceans, but larger individuals may prey on small fish.

Spawning occurs during the spring. Eggs are laid in nests which are excavated by males either in the substrate or in weed beds. This species may live up to 4 years.

This species has experienced significant range reduction within New Jersey and its population has declined in the northern and central portions of the state. This may be due to several factors including land use and habitat changes as well as the introduction of non-native fish (such as largemouth bass) which out-compete and prey on mud sunfish. It is still fairly common and well-distributed within the Pinelands.

The mud sunfish is likely extirpated in Pennsylvania and listed as Threatened in New York. In 2016, the New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Advisory Committee recommended a Special Concern status for this species, but no formal rule proposal has been filed to date.