A colorful, North American native freshwater fish known for its bright orange-red belly and an elongated, solid black opercular flap ('ear'). As a temperate species, they thrive in unheated aquariums. They are aggressive, territorial predators that will dig nests in the substrate and consume any tank mate small enough to fit in their mouths.
Redbreast Sunfish At a Glance
Redbreast Sunfish Tank Requirements
Will Redbreast Sunfish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Redbreast Sunfish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Redbreast Sunfish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Redbreast Sunfish Water Parameters
Redbreast Sunfish Temperament & Compatibility
Redbreast Sunfish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male (Standard Adult)
Adult males possess the brightest red/orange breast coloration and the longest black opercular 'ear' flap. They are highly territorial, especially when digging and guarding spawning pits in the substrate. Best kept singly in an aquarium setting.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Breeding Male, Adult Sunfish
Female
Females are duller in color (often yellowish or pale orange instead of deep red) and have a significantly shorter opercular flap. While still predatory, they are slightly less territorial than males.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Sunfish
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Young sunfish are often sold or caught at a small size. They will grow rapidly and become increasingly aggressive and territorial as they mature. A smaller grow-out tank can be used temporarily.
Differs in 6 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Sunfish, Fry
Redbreast Sunfish Care Guide Summary
The Redbreast Sunfish, scientifically known as Lepomis auritus, belongs to the Other family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 20 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Redbreast Sunfish requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 10°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 6.5–8 and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Redbreast Sunfish is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 3 varieties: Male (Standard Adult), Female, and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Redbreast Sunfish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Redbreast Sunfish, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Redbreast Sunfish Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Redbreast Sunfish is best housed alone, as they do not tolerate others of their kind in confined spaces. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Redbreast Sunfish Is Actually For
Redbreast Sunfish is best for a fishkeeper who expects a species with attitude and plans the tank around that behavior and can provide someone who understands its individual space requirements. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially sand.
The most common mistake is treating Redbreast Sunfish like any other community fish and skipping the soft sand it needs to forage safely. Another frequent problem is forcing it into an over-busy community when it would do better with more room or more deliberate tankmate choices.
Redbreast Sunfish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Redbreast Sunfish.
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
Show 1 more tank size
Redbreast Sunfish Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Redbreast Sunfish is a predatory species that will readily consume small fish, so nano or bite-sized tankmates should be avoided, will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups, and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Redbreast Sunfish
How big does Redbreast Sunfish get?
Redbreast Sunfish (Lepomis auritus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 20 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Redbreast Sunfish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Redbreast Sunfish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Redbreast Sunfish need?
Redbreast Sunfish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 10–26°C, a pH between 6.5 and 8, and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Redbreast Sunfish peaceful or aggressive?
Redbreast Sunfish is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 7 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Redbreast Sunfish live with others of its kind?
No. Only one Redbreast Sunfish should be kept per tank. Keeping multiples in the same aquarium typically results in aggression and stress.
Is Redbreast Sunfish safe with shrimp?
No. Redbreast Sunfish is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Redbreast Sunfish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Redbreast Sunfish benefits from sand (sifters), smooth gravel (sensitive barbels), and driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Plants That Suit Redbreast Sunfish
These plants pair well with Redbreast Sunfish based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Crepidomanes Fern
Crepidomanes auriculatum
Fish Similar to Redbreast Sunfish
Longear Sunfish
Lepomis megalotis
A strikingly beautiful North American native fish often likened to a cold-water cichlid. Known for their brilliant blue and orange coloration and elongated opercular flaps ('ears'). They are highly territorial, predatory, and require a large, unheated or cool-water aquarium with plenty of structure.
Pumpkinseed
Lepomis gibbosus
A beautiful but aggressive North American native sunfish. Known for its vivid orange, blue, and green speckling and the distinctive red spot on its gill cover. As a temperate/coldwater species, it does not require a heater. They are highly territorial, intelligent, and have large appetites, functioning much like Central American Cichlids in the aquarium.
Orangespotted Sunfish
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Bluegill Sunfish
Lepomis macrochirus
A highly active and intelligent North American native fish. Known for their deep, laterally compressed bodies and the distinctive dark spot at the base of the dorsal fin. They are predatory and territorial, often treated as 'coldwater cichlids' by hobbyists. Because they grow large and are highly active, they require significant swimming space and heavy filtration.
Green Sunfish
Lepomis cyanellus
A robust, highly adaptable, and extremely aggressive North American native fish. Known for its vivid blue-green iridescent facial lines and yellow-margined fins. Due to its large mouth, heavy build, and extreme territoriality, it is often considered the 'Oscar of native fish' and should be kept singly or with large, robust tank mates in spacious setups.
Redear Sunfish
Lepomis microlophus
A robust North American native fish commonly known as the 'Shellcracker' due to its specialized pharyngeal teeth used to crush snails and mollusks. They are a temperate (coldwater) species that makes an excellent subject for a large native unheated aquarium. They are semi-aggressive, territorial, and will consume any tank mate small enough to fit in their mouths.