[3] The blackbanded sunfish is fairly small, maximum length of 10 cm, with an average life span of 3–4 years.

The blackbanded sunfish has a very compressed, deep body with a small mouth but big lower jaw extending upwards.

[3] Its gill cover has a black spot, and the dorsal (top), anal (back/bottom), and caudal (tail) fins are black-mottled.

[3] Blackbanded sunfish are restricted to shallow, low-velocity, non-turbid waters of lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.

The fish population has been hurt over the past few years due to poor water conditions and pollution.

Like other sunfish, the males will guard their eggs until hatching and sometimes perhaps for a week after until the fry are free swimming.