HomePondSpecies › Redear Sunfish (Shellcracker)
Sunfish · Sport panfish + bottom feeder

Redear Sunfish (Shellcracker)Lepomis microlophus

Redear sunfish - "shellcracker" to most pond stockers - are the bottom-feeding cousin of bluegill. They eat snails and other hard-shelled inverts, which makes them genuinely useful for managing snail populations in ponds prone to fluke parasites. They reach larger size than bluegill (males commonly 1-2 lbs) and are a popular target on light tackle.

Sport panfish + bottom feeder Sunfish

Stocking quick reference

Stocking rate
10-20% of total bream population (so 50-200 / acre alongside bluegill)
Ship size
2-4" stockers
Adult size
10-14"
Best season
Spring - early fall

Diet

Snails, crustaceans, larvae, occasional pellet

Compatible with

Coppernose bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish

Ship-to states

Most US states; some northern states require permits

State legality is enforced at checkout - the Fast Aquatics 52-rule legality engine blocks restricted shipments before payment. Permits + DNR rules vary by state for sport-fish stocking over personal-use thresholds.

Buy Redear Sunfish (Shellcracker)

Live Redear Sunfish (Shellcracker) listings from approved Fast Aquatics pond + aquaculture vendors. Filter by ship-from state to find the closest hatchery for cold-chain efficiency.

Browse Redear Sunfish (Shellcracker) listings →   Pond stocking companies →

Related pond species

Sell Redear Sunfish (Shellcracker) on Fast Aquatics

Fish farms, hatcheries, and pond-stocking companies: list Redear Sunfish (Shellcracker) for direct-to-pond-owner sales + wholesale Fast Frags partnerships.

Apply as a vendor