Short Sunfish

Interesting Info

• The Short Sunfish also commonly know as the Bump Head Sunfish is a migratory fish. Mostly solitary, they are known to travel in pairs or small groups.
• They have a distinct appearance with a large, flat, disc-shaped body that is taller than it is long, giving it a somewhat truncated appearance. The body of the fish is covered in thick, tough skin with small, sharp spines. The skin is usually a dark grey or brown colour with a mottled pattern, and it may have lighter spots or patches on its surface.
• Sunfish don’t have tails and use their dorsal and anal fins to swim. Moving these fins back and forth in the same direction.
• Short Sunfish have a varied diet which can include; jellyfish, plankton, small fish, crustaceans & molluscs. They are also know to eat marine plants, including kelp and seaweed.
• Estimates of lifespan are unclear, but have been placed over 20 years. Studies indicate it takes at least 20 years for the fish to reach the length of 3 m (9.84 ft). In captivity they live to about 10 years.
• These fish have a smaller mouth relative to their size and instead of teeth, have fused teeth that form a beak. Similar to that of parrot fish.
• Short Sunfish are often spotted when they are on surface waters, basking in the sun to thermally recharge themselves prior to diving down into colder waters. Sunbaking helps them regulate their body temperature.
• There is limited information available on their breeding habits. However, it is believed that, like other species of sunfish, they are an oviparous fish that releases its eggs into the open water column where they are fertilised by the male.
• The main predators of Short Sunfish include sharks and orca.