The Difference Between Sunfish and Panfish
If you've ever heard someone refer to fish using these terms and nodded along but don't fully know which fish fall into these buckets, we've got you.
You may have heard the terms "panfish" and "sunfish" when talking about different types of fish. These labels are related but distinctly different, and understanding their differences can clarify their use in fishing and biology (and sharpen your acumen).
The Short Answer
Panfish is a non-scientific, informal category based on size, catchability, and edibility.
Sunfish is a scientific family (Centrarchidae) with specific biological traits.
Panfish
Definition: Panfish is a colloquial term, not a scientific classification. Panfish refer to small, freshwater fish that are easy to catch and ideal for cooking in a pan. The name comes from their size and suitability for pan-frying whole or filleted.
Characteristics: Panfish are typically small (under 12 inches), abundant, and have mild, tasty flesh. They’re popular with anglers for their accessibility and flavor.
Examples: Common panfish include bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, and sometimes small bass or catfish, depending on the region.
Focus: The term is more about culinary and recreational value than biology. It’s a catch-all for fish that fit the "small and tasty" profile, regardless of their scientific family.
Sunfish
Definition: Sunfish is a scientific and common name for fish in the family Centrarchidae, which includes species native to North America. This family encompasses several popular freshwater fish, many of which overlap with panfish.
Characteristics: Sunfish are known for their relatively flat, disk-shaped bodies, vibrant colors, and spiny dorsal fins. They’re typically found in warm, shallow waters like lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. They vary in size, but many are small enough to be considered panfish.
Examples: Bluegill, pumpkinseed, green sunfish, redbreast sunfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and crappie are all members of the sunfish family. Not all sunfish are small enough to be panfish, larger species like bass can grow much bigger.
Focus: This is a biological classification, focusing on the family Centrarchidae and its shared traits, rather than culinary use.
An Example
If you catch a bluegill, it’s both a sunfish (part of the Centrarchidae family) and a panfish (small, tasty, and perfect for frying). But if you catch a yellow perch, it’s a panfish (great for the pan) but not a sunfish (it’s in a different family, Percidae). The overlap is common, but the terms serve different purposes: one is about eating, and the other is about biology.