| Main Ref. | Scott, D.B.C. and J.D. Fuller, 1976 |
| Mode | dioecism |
| Fertilization | external |
| Mating type | monogamy: |
| Spawning frequency | one clear seasonal peak per year |
| Batch spawner | Ref. Greenwood, P.H. and M.V.H. Wilson, 1998 |
| Reproductive guild |
bearers external brooders |
| Parental Care | |
| Description of life cycle and mating behavior | From an observation of a breeding pair in a concrete tank, courtship lasts from several weeks to months. During this stage, the breeding pair swims near the water surface usually at night. "The male chases the female around the perimeter of the tank. Sometimes, the pair circle each other nose-to-tail. About one to two weeks before spawning takes place, the fish swim side by side with their bodies touching. Eventually, the female releases a cluster of orange-red eggs. The male fertilises the eggs and then scoops them into its mouth where it incubates them. After hatching which occurs in about a week, the young larvae continue to live in the male's mouth for 7-8 weeks more until the yolk sac is totally absorbed" (Ref. 57886). |
| Search for more references on reproduction | Scirus |