Panfish

Lepomis macrochiris or the Bluegill is also known as a Panfish, due to it being one of a variety of species of fish that do not grow bigger than the size of a frying pan. Bluegills are omnivorous, typically eating anything that can fit in its mouth, and is preyed upon by anything fish that can fit it in their mouth, notably northern pike, snapping turtles, and walleyes, among various others. It likes to hide old swamp areas, taking cover from predators in old stumps and plants, and lives at a variety of depths. The distinct coloration of the fish is due to cells called 'chromatophores' under its skin, which can change color based on various stimuli- for a threat display, several bars will appear on the skin. While the species is native to and very important in North American ecosystems, it has been introduced to many other countries, where in places like Germany and Japan, has become an invasive and destructive species outcompeting other fish in the native ecosystems.