The mud sunfish (Acantharchus pomotis) is a freshwater ray-finned fish, a sunfish from the family Centrarchidae, which widely distributed in the fresh waters along the Atlantic coast of North America, ranging from New York to Alabama. It is the only species in the genus Acantharchus.

The mud sunfish occurs in lowland streams and bogs from southern New York to northern Florida. It favors acid waters associated with cedar swamps and pine barrens areas, and it is also found in standing water with a heavy growth of aquatic plants.

The Mud Sunfish, a small-bodied fish (maximum length 218 mm TL [8.5 in], maximum length in Alabama 125 mm TL [5.0 in], Rider et al. 2012), belongs to a monotypic genus, and is one of the 32 species of Centrarchidae.

Not brightly colored, elusive, and found of wallowing around in rather mucky habitats, the Mud Sunfish still manages to be one of the most popular aquatic pets of North American native fish enthusiasts.

Only sunfish with cycloid scales. Usually five anal spines. Usually 3-4 dark stripes on head and body. Similar Species: The only other sunfish with a rounded caudal fin are the three species of Enneacanthus who have three anal fin spines.

Similar in appearance to the Rock Bass, the Mud Sunfish can easily be distinguished by its round tail and its brown eyes. Mud Sunfish prefer highly vegetated swampy areas of ponds and sluggish backwaters, both tidal and nontidal. They feed on invertebrates, insects, and …

Aug 19, 2022 · The mud sunfish is a member of the sunfish family. It has a rounded caudal fin, compressed body, large eye, short snout and large mouth. There are between three and four parallel brown to black stripes across the side of the head, and …

Usually occurs over mud and detritus in vegetated sloughs, lakes, and pools and backwaters of creeks and small to medium rivers.

The mud sunfish (Acantharchus pomotis) is a freshwater ray-finned fish, a sunfish from the family Centrarchidae, which widely distributed in the fresh waters along the Atlantic coast of North America, ranging from New York to Alabama. It is the only species in the genus Acantharchus.

Mud Sunfish. Kingdom. Animalia. Location in Taxonomic Tree . Genus. Acantharchus. Species. Acantharchus pomotis. Identification Numbers. TSN: 168095. Geography. Launch Interactive Map. Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.