Fish
Everglades Pygmy Sunfish
Elassoma evergladei · also called Everglades pygmy sunfishes
Weaving between the stems of a dense Everglades sawgrass marsh, an Everglades pygmy sunfish barely an inch long hunts for tiny invertebrates, thriving in acidic, tannin-stained water that many larger fish species find far less hospitable.
Overview
The Everglades pygmy sunfish, Elassoma evergladei, is a tiny predatory fish native to vegetated wetland habitat across peninsular Florida and parts of the southeastern coastal plain of the United States. Its extremely small size, strong association with the Everglades region, and tolerance of naturally acidic wetland water make it one of the more distinctive small fish found in Florida’s wetlands.
Small enough to disappear among sawgrass stems
Rarely growing past an inch in length, the Everglades pygmy sunfish moves through its dense marsh habitat almost entirely unnoticed, at home in acidic water that keeps many potential competitors and predators away.
Status
Least Concern, widespread and stable across suitable vegetated wetland habitat throughout peninsular Florida and parts of the southeastern coastal plain.
Everglades Pygmy Sunfish: common questions
How small is the Everglades pygmy sunfish?
This species has an extremely small, elongated body rarely exceeding about an inch in length, making it one of the smallest fish species found in Florida's freshwater habitats and small enough that a single adult could rest comfortably across a fingertip.
Where does the Everglades pygmy sunfish live?
This species is native to vegetated wetland habitat across peninsular Florida and parts of the southeastern coastal plain, commonly found among dense sawgrass marshes and vegetated sloughs within the Everglades region it is named for.
Can the Everglades pygmy sunfish tolerate acidic water?
Yes, this species is well adapted to the naturally acidic, tannin-stained water common in many Florida wetlands, a tolerance that allows it to thrive in conditions many other freshwater fish species handle poorly.
How does the Everglades pygmy sunfish attract a mate?
Male Everglades pygmy sunfish develop subtle iridescent blue or green highlights during breeding season, a display used in courtship to attract females within the dense vegetated water the species depends on throughout its life.