Reference Guide > Montana Fish Field Guide > Sunfishes > Pumpkinseed
Pumpkinseed - Lepomis gibbosus
Exotic Species (not native to Montana)
Global Rank: G5
State Rank: SNA
Agency Status
USFWS: none
USFS: none
BLM: none
CFWCS Tier: 4
General Description
The pumpkinseed is Montana's most widespread small sunfish, but like the others it has been introduced. Pumpkinseeds were first found here in 1910 in sloughs near Kalispell and now are found nearly statewide except for southwestern Montana. Pumpkinseeds are beautiful little fish, and in their preferred habitat of clear ponds with abundant aquatic vegetation they can grow up to 1 pound and provide some fun fishing. However, most populations are stunted. The pumpkinseed is another example of a fish which has become widespread through illegal introduction.
Diagnostic Characteristics
Gill rakers short and stubby.
Distribution
Montana Range
Habitat
Ponds, small lakes, some large lakes, and slow streams. Prefers quite, clear water with an abundance of aquatic vegetation submerged brush.
Food Habits
Mostly snails and aquatic insects; but almost any organism of suitable size is eaten on occasion.
Ecology
May cross with bluegill and green sunfish but no hybrids reported in Montana.
Reproductive Characteristics
Sexually mature in 2-3 years. Spawns late spring-early summer.
Citations & Sources
Holton, G. D. 2003. A field guide to Montana fishes. Mont. Dept. Fish, Wildl. Parks, 95 pp.
Citation for data on this website:
Pumpkinseed — Lepomis gibbosus. Montana Field Guide. Retrieved on February 2, 2009, from http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/detail_AFCQB11030.aspx
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