Spawning occurs May through August when water temperatures exceed 70°F. Males build nests by fanning fins over bottom, creating circular depressions. Females deposit 2,300 to 67,000 eggs, with several females potentially spawning in same nest. Males guard eggs which hatch in 5-10 days.

Unique Behaviors:

• Colonies spawn on the same day in synchronized fashion
• Small males unable to establish territory may spawn by sneaking into larger males’ nests or by mimicking female behavior
• Nests built in colonies often have honeycomb appearance

Ecological Role:

• Bluegills play an important role in pond and lake management, keeping crustacean and insect populations low, as a single population may eat up to six times its own weight in one summer

Predators:

• Many species feed on bluegills and their eggs including aquatic turtles, snakes, other fishes, American bullfrogs, birds, mammals, and aquatic insect immature stages such as dragonfly nymphs

Eating Quality:

• Firm, flaky, well-flavored flesh – considered excellent table fare

Cultural Significance:

• Illinois State Fish since 1986
• One of most popular panfish in North America
• May account for more individual catches than any other game fish in U.S.

Stable – no conservation concerns