Black-banded Sunfish -- Enneacanthus chaetodon

[Back in the fold]

To this day the most memorable aquarium I have ever seen was one that the local college had in a greenhouse next to the science building . It was obviously custom made because it was very large and nearly square but still rectangular and somewhat shallow . It was densely planted with Anacharis which thrived in the greenhouse with no additional lighting and there was a great colony of some kind of sunfish in it . Larger ones about six inches . I think they were caught locally because I’ve seen them in a large pond on the edge of the Yellowstone River here . Very nice looking fish but you never see them in peoples aquariums . We have many nice native fish in North America but they have few admirers outside of NANFA members .

 

[Innesfan]

We have many nice native fish in North America but they have few admirers outside of NANFA members .

Yes. Europeans have long been more interested in our native species than we are. The species that is the subject of the current thread is one of the more notable examples.

 

[f_luxus]

Some sunfish became neozoens in Europe.
I saw a big sunfish once in a school aquarium. Very pretty

 

[Rusty_Shackleford]

Europeans have long been more interested in our native species than we are.

Nobody snuggles animals better than the Europeans.

 

[MattW]

Europeans have long been more interested in our native species than we are

There are many underrated species in NA. Same as here in Europe. I want to try keeping rainbow shiners if I ever get the room.

 

[Mr Limpet]

Pygmy sunfish, especially Elassoma gilberti, have become fairly popular among U.S . fishkeepers.

 

[Rusty_Shackleford]

I'm really considering a group of Enneacanthus gloriosus for my next tank.
In looking at distribution maps it's possible there are populations of E. gloriosus and E. chaetodon within about a 4 to 6 hour drive. It might be fun to collect my own fish.

 

[Magnum Man]

so, I'm considering this fish, and it's cousins, for my outside aquarium experiment...

Dan's regularly stocks them... and has them in stock right now...

https://dansfish.com/product.detail/6360/Native-Fish-Native-Fish-Black-Banded-Sunfish-(Enneacanthus-chaetodon)

but I'm also considering their cousins... the blue spotted sunfish ( Enneacanthus gloriosus )
similar size and conditions required...

and am also looking at a 3rd branch of their family tree...E obesus, as well, however those look too similar to the original topic of this thread...

 

[Gertrudae]

Some sunfish became neozoens in Europe.
I saw a big sunfish once in a school aquarium. Very pretty

There is an artificial "natural pool" nearby – a large pond for swimming and a smaller one with lots of plants, mainly reeds, for purification. No chlorine or anything like that. In addition to some larger native fish and carp, there are many little sunfish. I don't know exactly what species they are. I've always wanted to catch some... Maybe this year.

 

[f_luxus]

Let us know maybe something for a outdoor aquarium?

 

[Gertrudae]

I have a separate cellar built into the hillside. It is always frost-free there. A perfect place to keep cold-water fish in winter. Combined with a cheap used tank as a summer Aquarium at the terrasse.
Hmmmm ...

 

[Gertrudae]

@f-luxus - You're invited to go fishing with me. Someone has to keep an eye on things—it's officially forbidden ;-)

 

[f_luxus]

one day, i finally bring you some of my Betta imbellis and then we go fishing.