Main Ref. | Lee, D.S., C.R. Gilbert, C.H. Hocutt, R.E. Jenkins, D.E. McAllister and J.R. Stauffer, 1980 |
Mode | dioecism |
Fertilization | external |
Mating type | monogamy: |
Spawning frequency | no obvious seasonal peak |
Spawning aggregation | Ref. |
Batch spawner | Ref. |
Reproductive guild |
guarders nesters |
Parental Care | biparental |
Description of life cycle and mating behavior | Lays eggs on cleaned surfaces of rocks. Parents incubate eggs and guard young. Tends and fans the embryos and free embryos and transfers them several times into new pits excavated in the bottom using its mouth (huddling) (Ref. 34155). Dark cavities are preferred as nests to conceal the brood and make them less conspicuous to visual predators (Ref. 38966). When in caves, single entrances are favored to reduce the probability of intrusion and are probably more manageable for the females in terms of defending their brood (Ref. 38966). Approximately 100-150 eggs are deposited and are vigorously guarded and cared for by both male and female (Ref. 44091). |
Search for more references on reproduction | Scirus |