A Kibbie By Any Other Name

NH anglers typically call any of the small sunfish a "kibbie", but we think they are most often referring to a pumpkinseed (quest fish number 14).  We have only logged three sunfish species for the quest so far: black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed.  Here are their pictures:

pumpkinseed

bluegill

 The crappie is clearly different, but the other two appear similar. The thing to look at is the "ear" or the little flap on the gill cover.  On a bluegill, this ear is completely black.  On the pumpkinseed, it has a red dot. 

There are three other sunfish on our quest that will look similar, but their ears are different.


redbreast sunfish = very long black ear with light margin at the base
rock bass = small black dot completed surrounded by light margin, red eye
banded sunfish = no ear,  rounded tail

We hope this ID info helps the next time you are out fishing. Good Luck!