Is this just a traditional tale, or do BG spawn according to the lunar cycle?
Still no spawning at my place, likely due to cold water. Wondering if I should anticipate this at next full moon & fertilize prior to the event so can get newborn BG food...
Reason I'm asking is that many people I respect have said that the BG spawn peaks at full moon, but I've never seen a scientific study on the subject. Interested in terms of fertilization timing, last year my newly hatched BG mostly starved or were quickly eaten.
Well, I've done some internet research and come up with not much in the way of scientific research. However, many experienced BG fishermen do report better luck on or around the full moon, enough that it seems unlikely to be mere accident.
I'm fertilizing tomorrow, hope to have good bloom (for the first time in my BOW's existence) ready for the full moon spawn in a couple of weeks!
I don't have any scientific evidence but I can say we always plan our BG fishing trips 3 days before to 3 days after full moon. We have found this time to be the most successful in finding BG on the bed. We have found them at other times but almost always find some around full moons in May-July here in SC/NC. Probably would in August but normally we are gearing up to hunt then.
Good luck!
I too tried and failed to find scientific evidence for BG. Some fish species do seem to synchronize with lunar cycles and these cycles also affect many species, including mammalian behavior. As a scientist, I have seen confirmation bias too often to trust anecdotal evidence, but it is certainly possible.
We need to suggest this topic to Bob Lusk! I am genuinely interested in any studies and/or data on the subject.
The lunar cycle definitely affects fish and critters in the ocean. I think it is species dependent also.
It is not all right at the full moon either. If we are doing a night dive 7 to 10 days after a full moon we have to watch out for sea wasps (box jelly). The hospital rarely treats anyone for their stings outside that time period. They seem to be attracted to shore line (or other) lights during that period.
One way to test it yourself is to watch the BG beds around the full moons after water temps hit 65 F. I have seen it with my own eyes many, many times.
but they also spawn when it isn't a full moon...maybe not as many participants but they do still spawn.
NO.They do cycle together, even across species boundaries. Pheromones very much involved.
Water temp 73F today, probably highest of the year. I noticed some BG beds, but not a single BG on them.
BG were active around several feeders, though. Good to see!
Jim are you saying they don't spawn unless its during the full moon cycle? Idk, I've watched them spawn several times around here during partial moon phases and new moon
What is the length of time a BG will stay on the bed? We know the females lay and leave the gaurding of eggs/fry to the male. Generally we catch mostly male BG on the beds around the full moon. Females tend to be off the beds in deeper water. So how long the males stay on the bed could explain seeing them around in the quarter moon phases, right?
Males about a week to 10 days depending on conditions. Could be a little longer if low temps due to time it takes eggs to hatch. BG females take about 25 days to have more eggs ready to release depending on conditions.
Looks like a full moon may put them in the mood. Do violins softly playing help too?
I'm saying I've seen the full shebang go down at non full moon phases, male on bed, female approach, egs/milt, etc. I had some videos on my old phone of this taking place at last 1/4 and new moon - I'll have to dig them up sometime
This was on some local clear water gravel pits - the gills in my pond for sure only get it on when the moon is shining full lol
Jim are you saying they don't spawn unless its during the full moon cycle? Idk, I've watched them spawn several times around here during partial moon phases and new moon
Jim did not say that (I am Jim). I said they are synchronized with a give body of water and pheromones are involved. I also wrote "NO" meaning not on lunar cycle.
Males tend brood for about 36 hours between fertilization and hatch plus an additional 5 to 7 days, possibly more, until offspring leave as larvae. Lower temperatures push to longer end of spectrum.