- For the exoatmospheric nuclear test, refer to Bluegill (nuclear test).
The
bluegill (
Lepomis macrochirus) is a
species of
freshwater fish sometimes referred to as bream, brim, or copper nose. It is a member of the
sunfish family Centrarchidae of the
order Perciformes. It is native to North America and lives in streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds. It is commonly found east of the Rockies. It usually hides around, and inside, old tree stumps and other underwater structures. It can live in either deep or very shallow water, and will often move back and forth, depending on the time of day or season. Bluegills also like to find shelter among
water plants and in the shade of trees along banks.