http://www.fishingtn.com/showthread.php?t=5128
Alpha. Check this thread from mine and the bottom 2 pics.
That fish is very likely a cross. This below is response from David on another site in reference to the gill's size who researches a lot with fish species for study.
"...'cause one of it's parents was very likely a redear. Look at the opercular flap; short and bony to the edge, and with a reddish tinge to the margin. Also has some elements of redear pigmentation on the body. Not an uncommon hybrid, and sure makes for some big honking sunfish!"