What is shellcracker?

Shellcracker is a common name for several species of freshwater fish in the sunfish family, including the redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) and the longear sunfish (Lepomis megalotis). They are both popular game fish among anglers, known for their ability to put up a strong fight when caught.

Shellcracker got its name from its diet, which primarily consists of snails and other mollusks. They use their specialized pharyngeal teeth to crush the hard shells of these prey items, earning them the nickname "shellcracker."

Shellcracker are typically found in slow-moving or still waters such as lakes, ponds, and slow rivers with plenty of vegetation for cover. They are known for their aggressive nature during the spawning season, which occurs in the spring and early summer.

In terms of appearance, shellcracker have a distinctive red-orange patch on their gill covers, which is more prominent in males during the breeding season. They are generally smaller in size compared to other sunfish species, with an average length of around 6-10 inches.

Overall, shellcracker are a popular target for anglers due to their fighting spirit and the challenge they provide when fishing for them.