[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Miscellaneous Fish – Blue-spotted Sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus)

This sparkling silvery fish with reflective blue spots is probably the most attractive of the three species in its genus. It has been in the hobby since the early 1900s but, owing to its low temperature requirements, it has never acquired great popularity among tropical freshwater aquarists.

Family

• Centrarchidae

Distribution

• Atlantic and Gulf Slope drainages of the United States from New York in the north, south to Florida, and west to Mississippi and Louisiana.

Size

• Up to 3 3/4in (9.5cm).

Behavior

• A shoaling species except at breeding time, when males become highly territorial and aggressive.

Diet

• Livefoods preferred, but deep-frozen, freeze-dried, and other commercial formulations accepted.

Aquarium

• Spacious, heavily planted with cool-water species, and with numerous hiding places and a coarse sand or a fine gravel substratum. Neutral to slightly alkaline, medium-hard water preferred. Temperature range: 50-72°F(10-22°C).

Breeding

• Lowering water level to around 6in (15cm) seems to enhance chances of success. Eggs are laid in a depression dug by male, who also defends the brood.