| Main Ref. | Breder, C.M. and D.E. Rosen, 1966 |
| Mode | dioecism |
| Fertilization | external |
| Mating type | monogamy:facultative |
| Spawning frequency | |
| Spawning aggregation | Ref. |
| Batch spawner | Ref. |
| Reproductive guild |
guarders nesters |
| Parental Care | paternal |
| Description of life cycle and mating behavior | Monogamous mating is observed as both facultative and social (Ref. 52884, 58559). Although a few pairs changed partners, most pairs remained together over successive rounds of spawnings according to a study (Ref. 84980). Spawning cycle is semilunar. Males construct burrows where the eggs are deposited. Only the males guard the burrows, occassionaly fanning the eggs to provide oxygenated sea water to the burrow. They do this about 41% of the time at the expense of feeding. Egg guarding lasts for 3-4 days after which the eggs hatch in time for the full or new moon phases (Ref. 84980). Parental care shifted from male to female in a study where the male parent was removed from the burrow which according to the study could be attributed to the spatial closeness of the parents and no requirement of special structures for guarding the offsprings (Ref. ). |
| Search for more references on reproduction | Scirus |