The pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) is a small, vibrantly colored freshwater sunfish native to North America, easily recognized by its orange belly and iridescent blue-green sides. This species thrives in calm, weedy lakes and ponds, and is popular among anglers for its abundance and spirited fight despite its modest size. The United States and Canada are the top countries for pumpkinseed fishing, with the species widely distributed across the Great Lakes region, the Northeast, and parts of the Midwest. While pumpkinseed are not a major commercial fish, they are highly valued in the recreational fishing industry, supporting local economies through tourism and tackle sales. In some European countries, such as Spain and France, pumpkinseed have been introduced and are now established, but they are generally considered invasive and are not targeted for commercial harvest. The U.S. and Canada remain the primary centers for both recreational harvest and ecological management of this colorful panfish.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.