Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Corrective stocking CNBG spawning habits

Has anyone observed or read evidence to support whether female CN prefer to spawn with male CN, all other things being equal?

Burger if you are asking would CNBG females prefer BG males (either type) vs. GSF or RES etc males , then the answer is they do and there is ample proof of this. If you are asking if CNBG females prefer CNBG males over BG males then I would say yes I think so but not nearly so strong a preference as in other species. I have seen no written proof of this but would like to if it exists. There is very little written wrt CNBG on most points of interest. I have observed that the copper nose bar on male CNBG is much more vibrant during the spawn and have seen the male make this bar visible to other males while nesting by adjusting body position. It really stands out much like the red ear flaps of RES as a warning. I assume it also is a way of attracting like kind females that is genetically wired into them. I have no proof of this but it works that way with other fish including most all lepomis. The other attraction methods in lepomis (some also are warning methods)are size, noises like grunts and clicks , flared gills and coloring and chemical/scent.

Have you seen , read or encountered something that made you wonder about this question ?

It sounds like the copper bar is on the way to being a species-distinguishing mating symbol, as the subspecies of CNBG and (other) BG drift farther apart genetically.

No, Eric, I havent seen or read anything. It's just the winter doldrums and wandering mind. I should have been more specific, yes I meant in comparison to native BG. There is a marked difference in the males during this time. If the water is relatively clear, I was thinking that maybe the male CN would have a leg up in attracting. I also understand that when the female get ready, it will happen if at all possible. thanks ya'll. More input welcomed.

I left out another selection factor which goes along with size. IIRC as a general matter the most fit male BG get the prime nest spots at the center of the colony nests where protection from egg pilfering and loss is best so they have a better survival rate. The females sense (or genetically know this) and tend to prefer to lay eggs in these nests as a species survival mechanism. I will check on this to confirm my memory.