effects of introduced populations of redbreast sunfish on native species are not well studied. Ecology Redbreast sunfish mainly consume immature aquatic insects. Mayflies, small fish, and dragonfly larvae consist of the majority of the sunfish's diet based on stomach content. Small crayfish may also be consumed. Being an opportunistic feeder, the fish competes with other sunfish and larger predatory fish that prey on the same food they do. Larger piscivorous fish are the main predators of smaller redbreast sunfish. Micropterus species are a major threat to sunfish because of shared habitat and the availability of the sunfish. The sunfish prefers structure around banks and overhanging branches that provide food, shade and protection. Lepomis auritus survives best in water with current and a pH between 7.0 and 7.5. Lack of current or too acidic or basic water can dramatically affect the sunfish's survival rate. Human influence on abiotic factors, such as sunlight, and biotic factors, such as predator numbers, can have a major influence on sunfish. Clearing debris from the bank can increase the amount of sunlight that reaches the water, thus increasing water temperature, while also decreasing the number of hiding places along the bank that sunfish can use. Decreasing the number of larger predatory fish by harvesting them will increase the survival rate of the redbreast sunfish. Life history The redbreast sunfish is a spring spawner on sand-gravel substrate depending on location, or when water temperature reaches . According to Stanley Sharp, "The mature male generally builds a nest in shallow water or may simply use the abandoned nest of another Centrarchid. The female eventually enters the nest, releases her adhesive eggs for fertilization while swimming with the male, and then leaves. The male remains to guard and fan the eggs and possibly even to guard the young for a brief period. The male and female will then move out of the shallow water after spawning and into deeper water. A male sunfish will breed with more than one female, just as female sunfish will breed with more than one male. Average egg production for the sunfish is around 3000 depending on the age of the female. Mature ova are around in diameter. Reproductive maturity is reached the second year of life. They have been known to have a maximum lifespan of around eight years. Currently, humans do not play a large role in influencing life history due to