I was snorkeling when I came on a bunch of pumpkin seeds that were nesting. They tugged my earlobes and then grabbed my lip. The lip hurt because their jaws are like sandpaper and they pulled hard. My lip was scraped by the little beasts and it took a couple days to heal.

"Marty" our lone bluegill (named after our exchange student who caught him with a lure) has been busy "nesting" for several weeks and lately every time I get in the pond, he attacks me. The other day he hit one of my shoes (which thankfully I was wearing) so hard, the surprise about knocked me over.

I've been telling my dd that he's not going to bite her toes if she hangs her feet off the edge of the deck, but after kalevi's pumpkin seed experience I'm not so sure. I do know that even my large koi get out of the bluegill's way whenever he swims by!

Sherry

What a lovely photograph of the sunfish on their nests. Nesting is serious business and one must be fierce and defend the area for the girls to notice. I had to laugh - a sunfish biting your lip. I'm sorry but that IS funny.

I thought a little bluegill was brave to beat up a snapping turtle but I didn't know that could extend to humans... Maybe I better not take a swim in the pond or at least stay out of that area - I wouldn't disturb them anyway. I sure wouldn't want a fat lip! lol.

That is a funny sounding sight! Great pic of the bg's
We have a new lake out at "the farm" I put in minnows in the spring, & am going to get some Bluegills later in the fall.
The theory being the minnows will be dinner for the bg's since we are only there 2-3 times a month. I have always loved bg's, they have such personality!
Never thought a little bg could or would beat up a turtle.
Too Funny!!