2-4" - This forage fish is similar looking to the bluegill except the earflap is black with a red or orange margin. They do well in ponds with more rooted aquatic vegetation. Redears have modified teeth in their throat that allow them to crush snail shells, hence the name shellcrackers. Redear sunfish typically reach 8-10 inches in length but can reach 15 inches in well managed ponds.