Main Ref. | Scott, W.B. and E.J. Crossman, 1973 |
Mode | dioecism |
Fertilization | external |
Mating type | |
Spawning frequency | Variable throughout range |
Spawning aggregation | Ref. |
Batch spawner | Ref. |
Reproductive guild |
nonguarders brood hiders |
Parental Care | |
Description of life cycle and mating behavior | Adults from the sea and lakes enter rivers to spawn. A female selects a nest site and begins to dig a redd while the male continues to court her and drive away intruding males. Upon completion of the redd, both drop into it and release eggs and sperm. This may be repeated several times before the eggs are covered by the female who swims along the edge of the of the redd, sweeping small pebbles and other particles into it with her tail and anal fin. Later, she may dig again and further cover the eggs while preparing a new nest (Ref. 27547). Breeding is an annual event for southern populations; occurring every second or third year in the Arctic (Ref. 27547). Males and females reportedly die after spawning (Ref. 12218). |
Search for more references on reproduction | Scirus |