Appearance: Moderately elongated and slightly compressed body with an upper jaw that goes beyond the rear margin of the eye. Dark blotches make a dark stripe along the side of the body, which is more vivid in younger individuals. They have been known to grow up to 32 inches in length. This is a much-sought-after species for anglers.

Interesting Fact: Being the park's largest member of the sunfish family, it is a very effective predator on a variety of other smaller fish, helping to keep their populations under control.

Habitat: Reservoirs and embayments, but may also be found in the lower reaches of the park's larger creeks.

References:

Etnier, David A. and Wayne C. Starnes. 1993. The Fishes of Tennessee. University of Tennessee Press. Knoxville, Tennessee.