Chris Walton 
Sunfish is one of the most unique and intriguing creatures we can find underwater. Also known as Mola Mola, it is a heavy bony fish whose distinct look has caught attention all around the globe. However, there is a huge curiosity about a debate on “Can you eat freshwater sunfish?”
Do you want to know the same? If yes, then you are at the right place because we will present the complete information on this prospect. Although there is nothing wrong with consuming this fish, it must be done with lots of caution and delicacy. Moreover, sunfish has never been popular as a dish in North America.
We know few people are interested in following uncommon seafood, and sunfish is one of those options. However, they need to understand the huge levels of toxins in sunfish can harm their body. There is a need to follow proper security measures to ensure health safety. Let’s review the article and get the much-important information about sunfish consumption.
What are the areas where freshwater sunfish can be found in the United States?
Before one can think about eating sunfish, it is essential to know what types of sunfish are available in the freshwaters of the United States. We have provided the major types of freshwater sunfish with their locations below:
- Green Sunfish
This type of sunfish has blue green on the back and sides, while their ventral sides have a slight yellow color. They have a large mouth and long snout with short pectoral fins. A Green sunfish can be found in the sluggish backwaters and ponds of the Hudson Bay, Great Lakes, and Mississippi Rivers.
- Longear Sunfish
Longears are the aggressive versions of sunfish that are usually found in gravel bottoms. This freshwater creature usually weighs up to 450 grams as an adult. It can be found in the freshwaters of the Great Lakes and Mississippi regions.
- Rock Bass
With an average length between 150 and 250 mm, rock bass comes with six anal spines and a relatively large mouth. It usually weighs around 450 grams and can live around ten years. If we talk about their native range, they are typically found in the Lake Champlain, Mississippi, and Great Lakes region.
- Redear Sunfish
Redear is a beautiful starfish that prefers to stay in the warm and quiet waters of the south-eastern United States. You can expect them to be powerful predators and fighters upon getting hooked.
Can You Eat Freshwater Sunfish without Any Health Concerns?
Sunfishes are known to have a great sort of mercury that can be troublesome for humans when consumed in high quantities. If we talk about the taste, it usually has a distinctive nutty flavour that everyone mightn’t like. There is no particular way to cook this fish, but it is common in Taiwan and Japan.
They often use the conventional cooking method, like any other fish type. That’s why it has the largest market in Asian regions of Japan and Taiwan. However, it is also consumed in a few parts of the United States and Canada.
It doesn’t matter which part of the world you live in; sunfish shouldn’t be a regular part of your eating schedule. It should be a delicacy that can be enjoyed occasionally rather than frequently.
Conclusion
We hope our team has provided enough information about the common question, “Can you eat freshwater fish”? Although they are fine food to eat once in a few months, you should never make it a habit.
Do you still have a query regarding freshwater sunfish? Feel free to write about it in the comment section!
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