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Longear Sunfish

Longear Sunfish

Longear Sunfish (Lepomis megalotis) in New Mexico represent an introduced species that has established populations in several major water systems.

These colorful panfish are distinguished by their elongated black opercular flap (ear flap), olive to rusty-brown back, bright orange belly, and distinctive blue-green bars on the head sides - characteristics most pronounced in breeding males.

Scientific Name: Lepomis megalotis

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their elongated black opercular flap (ear flap), olive to rusty-brown back, bright orange belly, and distinctive blue-green bars on the head sides - characteristics most pronounced in breeding males.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer densely vegetated shallow waters in lakes, ponds, and sluggish streams, avoiding strong currents.

Key Locations

  • Lakes like Elephant Butte, Caballo, and other Rio Grande system impoundments.
  • Found in six HUC watersheds including the Rio Grande system (Caballo, El Paso-Las Cruces, Elephant Butte Reservoir, Rio Grande-Albuquerque), the Mimbres drainage, and Upper Canadian-Ute Reservoir areas as of 1990 records.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on areas with aquatic vegetation, fallen trees, undercut banks, brush piles, and other structure where they hide from predators.

Longear Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Longear Sunfish in New Mexico?

1/64 to 1/16 oz jigs, small spoons, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits measuring one inch or less. Live bait is highly effective - use nightcrawlers, red worms, crickets, larvae, and small minnows on #6-10 hooks.

What flies work for Longear Sunfish in New Mexico?

Effective flies include small patterns (#10-18) such as woolly buggers, poppers, small streamers, nymphs, and dry flies.

How do you catch Longear Sunfish in New Mexico?

Fish with bobbers in weedy areas or near structure to avoid snags, or try bottom fishing with split-shot rigs 6-12 inches above the bait. Let flies sink slowly to target larger fish. Target shallow flats during spring, but fish deeper waters during hot summer days.

What do Longear Sunfish eat?

They're carnivorous, feeding extensively near the surface on aquatic insects (21% of adult diet), terrestrial insects (37%), small fish (31%), and fish e.g.gs (7%). They also consume dragonflies, gnat larvae, snails, dayflies, leeches, small crustaceans, and young bass.

Where do Longear Sunfish live in New Mexico?

They prefer densely vegetated shallow waters in lakes, ponds, and sluggish streams, avoiding strong currents.

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