Like other centrarchids, the male will excavate and guard a small, round nest. Suitability for nest-building is maximized between 1-2.5 m in depth, with particle size of substrate near 30 mm (Clark et al., 1998). Several females may spawn in the nest of one male (Etnier and Starnes, 1993). Individual females may also spawn in the nests of several males.
Mating System: polygynandrous (promiscuous)
When a female enters the male's territory, a complex dance occurs, with the pair rubbing and biting each other. The actual act of spawning occurs in about 5 seconds, and is repeated for up to 2 hours. Females lay upwards of 2,000 eggs at each spawning (Smith, 1979). After spawning is complete, the female is chased off, and will occasionally mate again with another male. The eggs hatch in 4-6 days, and the fry remain in the nest for approximately two weeks before dispersing (Neves, 1975; Scott and Crossman, 1998).
Breeding season: Spawning typically occurs between March and May. Onset is based mainly on degree-days, when temperatures exceed 10°C (Shuter et al., 1980). In the extreme northern tail of its distribution, spawning may be delayed a month, and begin in April and run through June.
Range time to hatching: 2 to 3 days.
Average time to independence: 2 weeks.
Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 3 to 4 years.
Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 3 to 4 years.
Key Reproductive Features: seasonal breeding ; sexual ; fertilization (External ); broadcast (group) spawning; oviparous
Parental care in M. dolomieu is the sole responsibility of the male, who guards the eggs and fry for an extended length of time (Cooke et al., 2003a). Temperature variation of as little as 2°C can result in abandonment of the nest, especially when water temperature drops below 15°C (Rawson, 1945; Latta, 1963).
Parental Investment: pre-fertilization (Provisioning); pre-hatching/birth (Protecting: Male); pre-independence (Protecting: Male)