Blackbanded sunfish

There are several disjunct populations of this species along the eastern seaboard of the United States from northern Florida in the south to southern New Jersey in the north. Within New Jersey, it is limited to the Pinelands region in the southern portion of the state. The New Jersey population is completely isolated from other populations of this species.

This species can be found in quiet, heavily-vegetated lakes, ponds, and small pools as well as small to medium rivers. It tends to occur in darkly stained, slightly to very acidic waters with sand or mud bottoms.

The blackbanded sunfish is an invertivore, primarily consuming small aquatic insects and crustaceans.

Spawning occurs between May and June. 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 reduction in the size of its range within New Jersey and its population has declined in 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 blackbanded sunfish.

It is likely extirpated in Pennsylvania, listed as Endangered in Maryland and Virginia, and proposed to be listed as Endangered in Delaware. 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.