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Peacock Bass Association www.peacockbassassociation.com
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Information Central (c) Larry Larsen
Spawning and Post Spawning Behavior
The color of the eggs reportedly change from a white to a yellow as they develop. Underdeveloped eggs accumulate a fungus and are normally removed from the bed by the parents. Ultimately, less than one percent of the eggs will hatch and reach adulthood. The eggs, while being constantly fanned by the female, develop into larvae in about two days.
Post-Spawn Behavior As the eggs hatch at the spawning site, the male (and sometimes the female) takes them into his mouth and deposits the fry in the nearby small depression beds. The larvae have a mucous-like adhesive at their head which allows them to stick to the bottom of the nest. They wiggle their tails, making the floor of the bed resemble a writhing mass of undulating worms.
As the fry become free-swimming, which occurs about three days after the hatch, the parents herd them around the canal. The fry stick together in a cloud near the surface of the water. They feed throughout the day on zooplankton, growing rapidly and becoming stronger.
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All rights reserved © 2001-2009 Larry Larsen. No part of this website may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the association. Factual information, names, addresses and telephone numbers are subject to change and often do. We have tried to bring you the most updated information available. The Peacock Bass Association is not liable for problems associated with the reliability of information provided on our website or printed materials. Peacock Bass Association (PBA) |
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Spawning normally takes place on a flat surface that has been cleared (or is bare to begin with) of algae or other debris during the fanning movements
of the parents. This could be on the top of a stump or the bark of a fallen tree that lies horizontal below the surface, yet near to the depression beds. The female moves over the bed
and deposits neat rows of eggs as the male follows and exudes sperm which drifts down over each row. This effort usually takes several hours. Reports state that peacocks may lay an
average from 3,000 to 10,000 eggs, with an average being about 5,000.
Some males periodically take part in the fanning to remove foreign materials from the eggs, but their time is often
consumed by defending against egg predators. From time to time, the male will leave the female to fend off a threatening intruder. By the time the eggs hatch, the female exhibits very aggressive behavior
toward any intrusion, while the male offers aggressive lateral displays and circles the area.
At night, the parents lower themselves over the bed to discourage nocturnal predators from attacking the larvae.
Both parents stand vigil and guard the brood which mill about their nest deriving nutrition from the remnants of their yolk sacs.