The bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) is a member of the sunfish family. This family of fish contains many species, including bass and crappie. Bluegill and other sunfish, sometimes called bream, are often incorrectly referred to as perch. Perch, however, are very different.

Are bluegill and sunfish the same thing?

We hear anglers asking this once in a while, "Are bluegills and sunfish the same thing?" It can be confusing but really it's simple. In short, all Bluegills are Sunfish but not all Sunfish are Bluegills. A Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) is a species of the Sunfish Family (Centrarchidae of the order Perciformes).

Is a crappie a sunfish?

Other common fish such as crappies and rock bass are also sunfish. There is much more to the sunfish family than meets the eye. Males construct and guard a nest.