Sunfish is a name for several kinds of fishes. The two chief kinds of sunfish are (1) true sunfish, also called panfish, and (2) pygmy sunfish. These fishes are related to crappies and black bass (see Crappie; Bass).
Panfish are common, brightly colored freshwater game fish that rarely measure more than 10 inches (25 centimeters) in length. They are found in bodies of water of all types and are native to regions of North America east of the Rocky Mountains. The males become brightly colored in the breeding seasons. They clear out a nest on the bottom of a lake or stream and guard the eggs against intruders. The most widely favored game fish among the panfish is the bluegill.
The pumpkinseed, another kind of true sunfish, is found abundantly in brooks and ponds from Maine to Florida, and in the northern part of the Mississippi Valley. It has a roundish body and considerable orange in its color. There is a bright red spot on the ear flap. This fish grows up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) long and weighs as much as 8 ounces (230 grams). People enjoy fishing for it because it bites with so much vigor. Panfish are popular with many fishing enthusiasts because the fish are widespread and easily caught with worms as a bait. Other species (kinds) also are common. Some smaller, more brilliant sunfish are kept in home aquariums.
Pygmy sunfish are small, less common sunfish found in marshy areas in the Southeastern United States. They grow up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) in length. 
The name sunfish also refers to a group of unusual ocean fish. Their bodies seem to consist of one great head with small fins. They often rest on the surface in sunny weather, with one fin above water. They may weigh more than 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms) and are among the heaviest of the bony fishes. They are not closely related to freshwater sunfish. See Ocean sunfish.
