Pumpkinseeds have a small body that is shaped much like that of a pumpkinseed, giving them their common name. They have a small mouth with an upper jaw stopping right under the eye.

Why are they called Pepitas?

The word pepitas is Spanish for pumpkin seed and translates as “little seed of squash.” Pepitas have been eaten in Mexico as far back as ancient Aztec times. It was a common practice during those times to use every part of the squash or pumpkin except for the shell.

What common fish is called a pumpkinseed?

Pumpkinseed, popular food and sport fish and a species of sunfish (q.v.). pumpkinseed sunfish. Pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus).