The sunfish family represents a taxonomic group of spiny rayed fishes that are native only to the North American continent. Of the 30 species in this family, 12 inhabit Iowa waters (the longear sunfish is considered extripated in Iowa). The sunfish family in this state include three black bass species, six sunfish species, and three crappie-like members. All are characterized by having at least one spine at the front part of the dorsal fin, which is continuous with the rear portion. Their body is deeply compressed laterally, and the attachment of the pelvic fins is far forward, nearly beneath the pectoral fins. There are three or more spines at the front of the anal fin, and the scales are ctenoid, which means they have rough edges. Some members of the perch and drum families are confused with sunfishes, but upon close inspection none have all sunfish characteristics.

The sunfishes reproduce in the spring and early summer by building nests for egg laying. Some construct saucer-like nests close to one another in colonies, while others seek more secluded habitats. Several species of the family inhabit cool-flowing streams, while others prefer quiet, warm, mud-bottomed ponds and lakes. Many are carnivorous and prey upon small fishes, while others that live in the shelter of weed beds consume mostly aquatic insects and larvae. Because of the diversity in their habits, sunfishes of one kind or another are found in every part of Iowa. Smallmouth bass are most abundant in streams, largemouth prefer quiet waters of lakes and large rivers, crappie are found in both moderate to large-sized lakes and streams, green and orange-spotted sunfishes are found nearly everywhere, and bluegills prefer lakes, ponds and the backwaters of large rivers. Most of the sunfishes are quite aggressive in their behavior toward other fishes and, in many instances, toward their own kind. They are opportunistic foragers, always on the alert for a drifting, helpless fish or insects to devour. Most sunfishes are very alert to terrestrial insects or other food items falling on the water surface and will instantly rush to the scene with the first arrival engulfing the food. Collectively, the sunfish family provides a vast share of the fishing for Iowans.

Black basses probably attract the most angling attention, especially with the club-organized anglers, but for most of the people interested in fish for the fry pan and sport, the sunfishes and crappie provide unsurpassed angling. In the spring crappie fishing dominates the activity, but from June through August bluegills are more popular. Both species are important in winter fishing.

*Mayhew, J. (editor). 1987. Iowa Fish and Fishing. Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Des Moines, Iowa. 323 pp.