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The Types of Sunfish

Sunfish is the common name for two different varieties of fish that are scientifically categorized in the same primary fish superclass, Osteichthyes. Both groups of sunfish have skeletons made of bones, as opposed to ones composed of cartilage as sharks have. Also, both sunfish groups have lungs or bladders that are derived from lungs. However, in spite of their commonalities, the sunfish groups are further classified in two separate, very dissimilar and highly diverse fish families, Molidae and Centrachidae.

Molidae
- Sunfish that are categorized in the family Molidae live exclusively in saltwater. These marine sunfish inhabit open ocean biomes that occur in tropical and temperate areas. They are distinguished by their appearance of having a very truncated body and extremely large head. While the number of Molidae species ranges from two to four -- depending on the authority, research indicates that all experts include mola mola, sharp-tailed mola, and slender mola as Molidae species.
Mola Mola
- Mola mola, also called common mola, roundtail mola or ocean sunfish, grow up to 14 feet in length and 5,000 pounds, making them the heaviest of all bony fish (Osteichthyes members) worldwide. Additionally, they are the most common species Molidae. They are silver with dappled spots, and have gritty, mucus covered skin.
Sharp-Tailed Mola
- Sharp-tailed mola or Masturus lanceolatus, closely resemble the mola mola. However, as their name indicates, sharp-tailed molas have more defined dorsal and anal fins. They are also have brownish to blackish upper sides, with finer scales and less mucus than the mola mola.
Slender Mola
- Slender mola or Ranzania laevis, has been called "King of the Mackerels" in Polynesian societies. Slender mola is the rarest and smallest species of Molidae, growing up to 3 feet in length. Unlike other Molidae species, slender mola have thinner skin and a vertically situated mouth.
Centrarchidae
- Sunfish classified in family Centrarchidae are exclusive to freshwater, preferring quiet habitats such as sluggish streams, lakes and pools. Encompassing 30 diverse carnivorous species, widely known names of freshwater sunfish species include specific varieties of bass, flier, crappie and sunfish. Large species within Centrarchidae grows up to 2 feet in length and 18 pounds. Examples of freshwater sunfish include rock bass, bluegill sunfish and black crappie.
Rock Bass
- Rock bass or Ambloplites rupestris, is a sport fish that prefers clear bodies of water with a rocky bottom. Even though they are generally silvery in color with blotches, rock bass change their coloring from lighter to darker shades to blend with their environment. They grow up to 15 inches in length and 10 pounds, and are also called goggle-eye or red-eye bass.
Bluegill Sunfish
- Bluegill sunfish or Lepomis macrochirus, is also called bream. They are silverish green with dark stripes, and are partial to clear water with rooted aquatic vegetation. This sport fish grows up to 12 inches long and 2 pounds.
Black Crappie
- Black crappie or Pomoxis nigromaculatus is slivery yellow in color, with black blotches. Like the bluegill sunfish, black crappies prefer clear lakes and streams with ample aquatic vegetation. Black crappies are sport fish that grow up to 18 inches in length, and occasionally weigh more than 3 pounds. They are also called paper mouth and strawberry bass.

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