Field kinematics of intermittent swimming in bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus)—pelagic locomotion and littoral maneuverability.

This article focuses on the intermittent swimming behavior of Bluegill Sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) in their natural habitats within Lake Waban, Massachusetts. Using underwater videography and radio telemetry, the study documents that Bluegill employ body-caudal fin (BCF) intermittent swimming—characterized by bursts of propulsion followed by gliding—in both pelagic (open water) and littoral (vegetated inshore) zones to optimize foraging and energy efficiency. Unlike previous laboratory findings where swimming speed was primarily modulated by glide duration, field observations showed that Bluegill adjust swimming speed through modest changes in tailbeat frequency, reflecting adaptations to complex natural environments and diverse prey types. The telemetry data further revealed that individual Bluegill regularly move between pelagic and littoral habitats, demonstrating locomotory generalism that supports their trophic plasticity and ecological success.