The 1990 survey observed these two species as well as white suckers and pumpkinseeds. Male pumpkinseeds are vigorous and aggressive, and defend their nests by spreading their opercula. Pumpkinseeds typically are about in length, but can grow up to . Because of this aggressive behavior, pumpkinseeds tend to maintain larger territories than bluegills. Often, pumpkinseeds build their nests near bluegill colonies, and the two species interbreed. Pumpkinseeds dominate the fishery, although white perch and brown bullhead are very common. Pumpkinseeds are very similar to the bluegill, and are often found in the same habitats.