In the most recent issue of PondBoss magazine, Bob talks about the spawning order and timing, and how it relates to different species. I thought it very interesting that he states RES spawn after BG. He also mentions this staggered spawning behavior as being a primary reason we rarely see natural hybridization occurring in nature.
After several years observing my ponds as well as my fish, I have noticed that My RES will begin spawning behavior, (defined by me here as males building nests, and showing a commitment to remain on the nests), slightly before the BG begin to do the same. In some cases, the timing between the two,(RES and BG,)is separated by only a day or two...hours, in some instances.
In all cases however, my BG and RES will have a lengthy period wherein their spawning periods overlap. I consider it to be the norm to find RES and BG occupying the same nesting areas, for a few weeks (2-3?) at a time.
I've always considered this to be the primary reason we have such a high percentage of naturally occurring RES x BG hybrids in our ponds, as they are very common here.
I'm curious as to what others are seeing. Do your RES spawn at a different time than your BG? If so, is it earlier or later than the BG?
