Bluegill vs Sunfish: The 5 Key Differences Explained

The Bluegill vs Ocean Sunfish are two species often mistaken for each other. These fish are two distinct species, despite this common belief. There are some key differences, with habitat, species-specific traits, colors, size, and diet marking some of the most significant differences.

Before we jump in, it is important to note the two distinct species of Sunfish: freshwater and ocean. The Centrarchid family, which include Freshwater Sunfish, is comprised of freshwater fish including popular game fish such as Crappies, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill. Ocean Sunfish, or Mola Mola, are a part of the order Tetraodontiformes, which are ray-finned fish who descended from coral dwellers. So, in this article, we are actually comparing two types of Sunfish: the Bluegill (freshwater) and the Mola Mola (saltwater).

How significant are these differences, and how do they impact how fishing enthusiasts seek these fish out? How easy is the identification of these fish? If you are catching these fish, what do you use for bait, and how might where they live to impact their taste?

We’ll look at some facts that may answer these questions below.

The 5 Key Differences Between Bluegill vs Sunfish

The Bluegill vs Ocean Sunfish, despite their similarities, have some key differences that set them apart. These species’ differences impact their interaction with their environment and other species. Here is a closer look at these differences:

1. Limited or Broad Range

The Bluegill is a freshwater species native to North America. Ocean Sunfish, or Mola Mola, however, are saltwater fish who reside in tropical and temperate areas of the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. The Bluegill may inhabit rivers, streams, or ponds as a freshwater species.

2. Bluegills Are Flatter, Sunfish May Mimic Sharks

The Bluegill has a flat, slender body with dorsal and pectoral fins.

The Mola Mola is built like a tank! It has a tiny mouth with large, bulbous eyes. It’s not nearly as thin and flat as the Bluegill. Ocean Sunfish have large, protruding dorsals that often cause people to mistake them for sharks.

3. Different Colors for Different Habitats

These two different Sun Fish boast different types of colors. For example, the Bluegill has a dark blue body, with black spots on the dorsal fins and yellow bellies. On the other hand, Ocean Sunfish have shades that include brown, silver-grey, and white, with the color variation being one of the facts that highlight the differences the most.

Due to countershading, the Mola Mola is multicolored. Its doral side is darker colored than its ventral area. When viewed from below, the light underside helps the Mola Mola blend in with a bright background. The opposite is true when viewed by a predator from above since the ocean floor and top of the fish are dark. Most fish, whether saltwater or freshwater, are countershaded.

4. Much Different Sizes!

One of the easiest ways to make identification between the two species is the significantly different size. The Bluegill ranges from 7-15 inches long, regardless of whether living in a river or pond setting. Sunfish are a larger species, averaging between 5 feet, 11 inches long to 10 feet long.

The Ocean Sunfish averages a weight of 2,200 pounds! The Bluegill is much lighter, averaging 2.6 pounds. The largest Bluegill ever caught was 4.12 pounds.

5. Two Different Diets

These fish have different diets because of their habitats. One of the essential facts about the dietary habits of these fish is that the Bluegill eats zooplankton, algae, crustaceans, insects, and even their own fish eggs if desperate enough. Mola Mola has a diet that includes fish, fish larvae, squid, and crabs.

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