Interactions

The Pumpkinseed Sunfish is a very close relative to the Bluegill, which is also a member of the Lepomis genus and is found in many areas of Wisconsin like the Pumpkinseed. It has been discovered that the two species may even cross breed. The two species actually have a very important relationship. Because they co-exist together, many of their traits are dependent on each other. When in an environment that that has large number of the two different species, the interactions tend to have a positive effect for the Pumpkinseeds. Individuals mature later and grow larger, which is similar to Pumpkinseed population patterns under standard conditions. Overall when the Pumpkinseeds are in a coexisting relationships with Bluegills, their life spans are longer. With out co-existing with Bluegills, Pumpkinseeds have shown a growth reduction.

Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)

To learn more about the bluegill, visit this site: http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/2010/ludwigso_jord/

In terms of shyness and boldness, Pumpkinseed sunfish have a range of qualities. When faced with what could be a potential predator, some individuals would get with in inches of the object, while others would keep a great distance. 

 

The Pumpkinseeds, not being on the very top of the food chain, have many predators. The main predators to the pumpkinseed are yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskellunge, other sunfish, and hungry humans.

             

For further information on these species, look into these webpages:

Yellow Perch: http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/2010/dorff_kell/  

Small Mouth Bass: http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/2010/hetke_dust/

LargemouthBass: http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2008/junge_mark/Index.htm

Northern Pike: http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2008/haslag_bria/

Muskellunge: http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2009/long_alex/index.htm

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