Sunfish include about 30 species of freshwater, bony fish. All species are sensitive to environmental changes, particularly temperature, and the larger species are solitary. The species Lepomis, which includes the pumpkinseed, is familiar to anglers. The species prefers shallow, weedy margins of lakes and streams. Males build a breeding nest and entice a female to the nest, where she lays a number of eggs. After the male has fertilized the eggs, he chases the female away and guards the nest against any intruder. The species frequently is stocked in ponds and lakes with largemouth bass to provide the latter with forage and fishing for the angler.