Is sunfish a shellfish

Answer 1

Here's what the New World Encyclopedia has to say on Sunfish:

Sunfish is the common name for the freshwater, ray-finned fish comprising the North American family Centrarchidae of the Perciformes order (perch-like fish), characterized by a laterally compressed body and dorsal fins typically with five to 13 spines. This family includes such familiar species as the black basses, rock bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappies.

Some other fish, both marine and freshwater, also have the common name sunfish. These include the marine family Molidae, which are sometimes known as "marine sunfishes," and such Saltwater Fish as the "ocean sunfish" (Mola mola), "oblong sunfish" (Ranzania laevis) and the "moonfish, "sunfish" or "opah" comprising the small family Lampridae of two species. Another group of Freshwater Fish sometimes known as sunfish that are not part of the Centrarchidae family includes the "pygmy sunfish," which comprise the genus Elassoma of family Elassomatidae. This article will be focused on the members of Centrarchidae.

In the United States, sunfish are a well-known fish. While some are valued as a food source, most sunfish are valued particularly for sports fishing, and have been introduced in many areas outside their original ranges. Popular game fish include Micropterus salmoides (largemouth bass), and M. dolomieu (smallmouth bass). The interesting colors, color patterns, and shapes of sunfish also add to the wonder of nature. As such, they provide more than nutritional value, but also touching upon the inner nature of people to seek beauty and the challenge of attracting and catching a game fish.