What are the natural predators of sunfish?

Bass: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass are all voracious predators of sunfish. They will eat sunfish of all sizes, but they are especially fond of small sunfish that they can easily swallow whole.

Pike: Northern pike, muskellunge, and chain pickerel are all ambush predators that lie in wait for their prey. They will eat sunfish of all sizes, but they are especially fond of large sunfish that they can take down with their powerful jaws.

Walleye: Walleye are voracious predators that will eat sunfish of all sizes. They are especially fond of small sunfish that they can easily swallow whole.

Catfish: Channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish are all opportunistic predators that will eat sunfish of all sizes. They are especially fond of large sunfish that they can take down with their powerful jaws.

Birds: Great blue herons, ospreys, and kingfishers are all birds that prey on sunfish. They will typically eat small sunfish that they can catch near the surface of the water.

Mammals: Raccoons, otters, and mink are all mammals that prey on sunfish. They will typically eat sunfish that they can find near the shore.