Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Pumpkinseed
Lepomis gibbosus
Also called Pumpkinseed sunfish, Sun perch, Pond perch, Common sunfish, Punkie
From Eastern North America, from New Brunswick south to Georgia/South Carolina and west through the Great Lakes and upper Mississippi basins12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Deep, rounded, laterally compressed sunfish
Shaped much like a pumpkin seed, round and flat from the side. The body is speckled in orange, green, yellow and blue, and the black gill flap ends in a bright orange-red crescent.2
Personality what they are like
A lively, curious sunfish with a hearty appetite. Males are protective of their nests during the breeding season.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Keeping, breeding and importing this fish is banned in the EU, so check local rules before buying.2
Home where they are happiest
Weedy lakes and ponds and quiet pools of creeks and small rivers. FishBase lists a temperature range of 4-30 C, pH 7.0-7.5 and hardness 10-15 dH.1
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A carnivore that eats insects, snails and other small molluscs, crustaceans, worms, fish fry and tadpoles.21
Company who they like around
Males nest close together in colonies in shallow water during spring.2
The story where it all began
Linnaeus first described this fish in 1758 under the name Perca gibbosa. Native to eastern North America, it has since been spread across much of the continent and to Europe, where it was once a popular pond fish.2
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The orange-red tip of the gill flap works like an eyespot and can make the fish look much larger to a rival.2
- 2
Southern populations grow extra-strong jaws for crushing snail shells, earning the nickname shellcracker.2
- 3
Lepomis means scaled gill cover in Greek, and gibbosus means humped.2
- 4
Males keep guarding their brood for around 11 days after hatching, returning stray young to the nest.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 1 March 2012)1
- European Union
- Listed as an invasive alien species; import and breeding banned in the EU since 20192
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Pumpkinseed. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Feedingevery day
- Water changeAbout 25 to 30% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Pumpkinseed?
Feed your Pumpkinseed once a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, but watch your fish's appetite and avoid overfeeding. Furry Diary plan
What does a Pumpkinseed eat, and what should it never eat?
Pumpkinseeds are carnivores and enjoy insects, snails, crustaceans, worms, and small fish. For foods to avoid, it varies by individual; ask your vet for a safe diet list.21
How much space does a Pumpkinseed need?
Space needs depend on the fish's size and how many you keep. For specific tank size advice, consult a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
What temperature, light or water does a Pumpkinseed need?
Keep water temperature between 4, 30°C, pH 7.0, 7.5, and hardness 10, 15 dH. Light needs vary; provide a natural day-night cycle and observe your fish's comfort.1
How often should I clean a Pumpkinseed's home?
Furry Diary's plan recommends a weekly 25, 30% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse to keep the habitat healthy. Furry Diary plan
Can a Pumpkinseed live with others?
Yes, Pumpkinseeds can live with others; males even nest in colonies during spring. However, males may become protective during breeding, so watch for aggression.21
Can I handle a Pumpkinseed?
Handling is not recommended for this fish, as it can cause stress or injury. For specific advice, ask your vet about safe handling if needed.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Lepomis gibbosus fishbase.seused for size, weight, age, native range, water parameters, diet, reproduction, IUCN status
- Wikipedia: Pumpkinseed en.wikipedia.orgused for size, record, colours, diet, nesting, lifespan, names, history, EU status, fun facts
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.