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Squidpastry @squidpastry.bsky.social · 15/12/2024

And for day 14 of #fishmas, spotted sunfish (not the Mola kind...) The spotted sunfish is an endemic to the southeastern United States, primarily Florida. These individuals live inside of a flooded sinkhole, where they are one of the only few species of fish present. #25DaysofFishmas

Underwater photograph of a spotted sunfish, taken form behind. The fish is looking downwards, as it eclipses two others. It swims in blue, clear water. The brown color with white-rimmed fins, black 'ear' patches, and innumerable black spots in rows down the body are hallmarks of this species, and shown to great effect in this photo.

Underwater photograph of a spotted sunfish. Sunlight dapples down from above, casting small rainbow shimmers on it's surface. The floor of the flooded sinkhole in which it lives is visible in the background. Another characteristic of the spotted sunfish is it's vibrant blue 'eyeliner', visible as a stripe underneath the eye of the fish.

Underwater photograph of a pair of spotted sunfish, taken from above. Their lower jaws jut out slightly, and from this angle it appears that they have a furrowed brow, though this is only the shape of their head.

Underwater photograph of an inquisitive spotted sunfish peering closely into the camera in the darkness, below the roof of the sinkhole where it leads into a cave system. The fish is encroaching far into the focal range, so it's face is blurry. It's eyes are blue and reflective.