Are Bluegills Dangerous? Stop the Misinformation

are bluegills dangerous

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You’ve probably heard the rumors. The whispers on fishing forums, the alarming Facebook posts, the tall tales spun around the campfire. Some are saying that the humble bluegill fish, a staple of North American waterways, is a deadly threat. Linked to its fearsome cousin, the piranha, the bluegill is rumored to be responsible for scores of human deaths every year. But is there any truth to these claims? Is the bluegill a mini Jaws lurking in our rivers and lakes? Let’s dive into the facts and debunk the myths once and for all.

Is The Bluegill Fish Dangerous?

Bluegills are as American as apple pie, found in freshwater from Mexico to Canada. They’re a familiar sight to any angler worth their salt. But recently, social media has been buzzing with claims that these common gamefish are as deadly as piranhas. So, what’s the real story?

Let me reassure you right away: there is absolutely zero evidence to suggest that bluegills have ever caused a human death. These sunfish, also known as blue sunfish, copperbellies, copperheads, and bream, are not related to piranhas at all. While both are freshwater fish, they inhabit different continents and different ecosystems. Piranhas are native to the rivers and basins of South America, while bluegills are North American through and through.

The world record bluegill is a modest creature, growing to about 12 inches in total. Far from being a predator, bluegills are the prey of everything from trout and muskies to herons, turtles, and otters. And in case you’re wondering, a bluegill’s dorsal fins are not poisonous. So, you can breathe easy. Bluegills pose no threat to us, but they do make for a spirited game when hooked! (And they make a tasty dinner, too!)

What Do Bluegills Bite?

Bluegills are not known for biting humans. Their teeth are tiny, so even if they tried, they would struggle to break human skin. So, what do they eat? Bluegills feast on worms, crustaceans, smaller fish, and insect larvae. They love snacking on caddisflies, dragonflies, and mayflies, plucking them off the surface or scooping up their larvae from the riverbed. Bluegills are also partial to some underwater vegetation.

What Eats Bluegill?

Ironically, we humans pose a far larger threat to bluegill than they do to us. Many anglers enjoy fishing for bluegill, as they put up a lively fight and taste great panfried. Besides humans, bluegill are also a favorite meal of larger gamefish, herons, kingfishers, raccoons, and otters.

Who started the rumor that bluegill are dangerous

Who started the rumor that bluegill is dangerous?

The rumor appears to have originated from a post shared by Southern Catfishing in 2018. The post claimed that the information was extracted from Ohio Fish News and published originally in 1987. However, there is no record of any publication called Ohio Fish News. [1] It seems the post was intended as a joke, but some people took it seriously, leading to widespread panic about these harmless fish.

Are Piranhas Dangerous?

Piranhas, unlike bluegills, are indeed dangerous. Their sharp, powerful teeth can deliver a nasty bite, although they are more likely to scavenge meat from dead creatures than attack a human. [2] However, if they feel threatened, they may attack in self-defense, so piranhas are indeed a hazard to humans.

Are Bluegills Dangerous? FAQ

Do bluegills eat people?

No, bluegills do not eat people. They feed on insects, small fish, and crustaceans. There is no evidence at all that a bluegill fish has ever bitten a human or attacked anyone.

What is the most dangerous fish?

One of the most dangerous fish in the world is the pufferfish, which is highly toxic to humans. Other dangerous species include the lionfish, the candiru, and the great white shark. [3] Piranhas are also considered dangerous due to their sharp teeth and aggressive nature.

The Wrap Up

Despite the rumors, bluegills are not dangerous. They are not harmful to humans and would not attack or bite you. Piranhas and bluegills are unrelated, inhabit different continents, and belong to different families of fish.

Bluegills won’t bite you, but they will put up a fight if you catch them! That’s why fly fishing for bluegills is such good fun. So get out there, catch yourself a bluegill, and enjoy a fresh, pan-fried dinner! For more fishing insights, visit FlyFisherPro.com. If you found this article helpful, feel free to share it!

References

[1] https://www.facebook.com/OHFRBLFGA/photos/a.698870523486511/2798912180148991/?type=3&theater

[2] https://www.livescience.com/57963-piranha-facts.html

[3] https://www.britannica.com/list/10-of-the-worlds-most-dangerous-fi

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3 thoughts on “Are Bluegills Dangerous? Stop the Misinformation”

  1. I have been fishing bluegill since I was about 5 years old in Wisconsin, my family would come to Sugar camp 8 one week then finally two. I,m 79 now and moved to Rhinerland ln 1979, and retired 1986. Catching bluegill is open water and through the ice is a lot of fun. They are my favorite eating fish. I’ve stuck a thousand times, they like to stick up there dorsil fins when you grab them, but it’s worth it every time you pop one of there delicious filets in your mouth.

  2. Here to say that I have been bit by bluegills many times in our local AZ lake. They will definitely nip at you if your staying still and you can feel it although it doesn’t break the skin. It startled me every time. My son won’t swim because of them. I call them piranhas LOL

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