Also known as the Eastern Spotted Sunfish, this is a drab, beefy panfish of the south. Spotted Sunfish like to live in swampy rivers, hiding amongst brush and weeds.  They can be caught on just about any smallish lure or bait.

The Spotted Sunfish lives on the Atlantic Coast and Florida, in a region bounded by western Alabama and Central North Carolina. Hybrids between Redspotted and Eastern Spotted Sunfish can be found in the Perdido River, which forms the border between Florida and Alabama.

Distinguishing Spotted Sunfish from Redspotted Sunfish is difficult if the location of catch is not established.  Spotted Sunfish have many black specks on the body and head, no rows of red / yellow spots on side, and 38-44 lateral scales. For comparison, Redspotted Sunfish will show a pale to bright red-orange patch on their side just above ear flap, rows of red / yellow spots on side, no black specks on body, 35-41 lateral scales.