Bluegill is correct!

All of the fish listed are in the sunfish family. Bluegill is the most abundant and widespread member of the sunfish family in Iowa. It is found in nearly all waters of the state but is far more abundant in lakes and ponds than in streams and rivers.

The bluegill looks similar to the pumpkinseed; the spiny part of the dorsal fin on a bluegill has 10 spines, on the pumpkinseed has 10 or 11 spines.  They are different in their stripes.  The pumpkinseed has "purplish horizontal bars" on its sides.  The male bluegill will have bright blue gill covers and chin; thus its name.  The pumpkinseed will have a bright red semi-circular spot on its gill cover (the operculum).  It will also have 6 or more wavy emerald bars with gold or copper on the cheeks.

Bluegill

Pumpkinseed

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