Centrarchus macropterus
(Lacepéde 1801)
Family Centrarchidae
The flier is a member of the sunfish family. It has a large black teardrop, and a strongly compressed, deep body with interrupted rows of black spots along the side. This species can be found in swamps, lakes, ponds and sloughs, and in backwaters and pools of small rivers and creeks.
Status & distribution
- Status — Native freshwater
- Florida Distribution — Western and North Central and Peninsula drainages
- River Drainages — Perdido River, Blackwater River, Yellow River, Choctawhatchee River, Econfina Creek, Apalachicola River, Ochlockonee River, minor Gulf tributaries, Suwannee River, Withlacoochee River, St. John’s River and the St. Mary’s River