Bryon: Good description!! As an old Connecticut
Yankee, I knew all about yellow perch, bluegills,
(we called them pumpkinseeds)& calico bass.
This is definitely a separate species. Has moved into canals in southern Florida. Has a very
distinctive "eye" marking at the base of the tail.
Its stubby & broader. Mouth & teeth resemble salt
water blackfish. I think it may become a dominate
fish in the area, as it is so aggressive.
I never eat fish from our lake,as I want to catch them again. Maybe I should tag & name them!