Sunfish invade Lakes Erie and Ontario

For the last few years, biologists have been noticing an influx of sunfish in Lakes Erie and Ontario. And while this might seem like a good thing – more sunfish for anglers to catch – it's actually a sign of the ecological health of these Great Lakes is in trouble.

Sunfish, which include species such as bluegill, pumpkinseed, and redear sunfish, are typically found in southern temperate waters. But over the past few years, they've been invading northern lakes at alarming rates. In Lakes Erie and Ontario, their populations have increased by 300% and 500%, respectively.

What's causing this dramatic expansion? It's likely a combination of factors, including climate change and the introduction of non-native species. Warmer water temperatures are making it easier for sunfish to survive in northern waters, while the introduction of fish such as zebra mussels (a common invasive species) is providing them with new sources of food.

The expansion of sunfish populations is bad news for other fish species in these lakes. Sunfish are voracious predators that eat a wide range of prey items, including small fish, amphibians, and insects. They can also compete with other fish for food and habitat. This is leading to declines in native fish populations, as well as changes in the overall ecology of these lakes.

So what can be done to stop the spread of sunfish? Biologists are currently working on strategies to control their populations, but it will be a challenging task. The best solution may be to focus on preventing further introductions of non-native species into these lakes. This means continuing to enforce laws against releasing aquarium fish into the environment and being vigilant about cleaning boats and fishing gear so that no unwanted hitchhikers make their way into these waterways.

Sunfish caught in record numbers off the coast of Maine

The Atlantic sunfish, Mola mola, is a fish that is found in the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the heaviest bony fishes in the world, and can weigh up to 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg). Despite its size, it is a very poor swimmer and is not often found in deep water.

Sunfish are pelagic fish, meaning they live in the open sea and are not associated with a particular habitat. They are found in both temperate and tropical waters, and migrate to warmer waters in the winter. They feed mainly on jellyfish and other invertebrates.

The Atlantic sunfish is a commercially important fish, but it is not commonly eaten due to its tough flesh. It is sometimes used as bait for catching other fish. Sunfish can also be used to produce oil and fertilizer.

Sunfish have been caught in large numbers off the coast of Maine in recent years. In 2016, a sunfish weighing 1,058 pounds (478 kg) was caught near Monhegan Island. This was the largest sunfish ever caught off the coast of Maine.

Sunfish becoming a major pest for fishermen in Pacific Northwest

The sunfish, a brightly colored fish that typically weighs less than 10 pounds, is becoming a major pest for fishermen in the Pacific Northwest.

The sunfish is known to feed on salmon eggs and juvenile salmon, which can seriously impact the salmon population. Sunfish can also be a nuisance to fishermen by stealing their bait and getting caught in their fishing gear.

As the sunfish population continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly important for fishermen to take steps to protect their catch from these pesky fish. One way to do this is by using weighted hooks that are less likely to be taken by a sunfish.

Sunfish can be fun to catch, but they can also cause serious damage to our fisheries. It is important for anglers to be aware of these fish and take steps to protect their catch from them.

Sunfish Blanket Florida Coastlines

The sunfish blanket is a bony fish that inhabits coastal waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It can reach a length of over 2 feet and has a distinctive blue coloration. The sunfish blanket is a common sight off the coasts of California and Mexico, where it feeds on small fish and invertebrates.

Blanket sunfish are oviparous, meaning that they lay eggs. The female constructs a nest by attaching clumps of seaweed to rocks or coral, then deposits her eggs inside. Once hatched, the young sunfish remain in the nest until they are ready to fledge, or leave home to start their own families.

Sunfish blankets are not considered a commercially important fish, but they are popular with recreational anglers. They can be caught on light tackle using small baits such as anchovies or shrimp. Sunfish blankets make good eating and can be fried, baked, or grilled.

Migration of Sunfish Puzzles Scientists

For years, sunfish have been swimming upstream and migrating to new habitats. However, the reason for their migration has puzzled scientists.

The migration of sunfish first began to be studied in the early 1900s when they were observed swimming up the Sacramento River in California. At the time, it was unknown why they were doing it.

Since then, sunfish have been observed migrating to other rivers and even lakes. In some cases, they've even migrated up to 1000 kilometers!

Scientists have put forward a number of theories about why sunfish migrate, but there is still no consensus on the matter. One theory is that they are seeking better food sources, while others believe that they are looking for spawning grounds.

Some researchers have even suggested that climate change might be causing the sunfish to migrate. They argue that rising water temperatures are making lakes and rivers less habitable for the fish, forcing them to move to new locations.

However, there is no definitive proof that climate change is responsible for the sunfish's migration. More research is needed to determine what's driving these fish to travel such long distances.

In the meantime, scientists will continue to observe and study these fascinating creatures as they migrate around North America.