Redear sunfish Breeding Guide

Breeding Process

Redear sunfish are typically bred during the spring and summer months when water temperatures rise to between 15°C to 27°C. Breeding often occurs in shallow waters with a preference for sandy or gravel bottoms. The male sunfish will establish a breeding territory and construct a nest by fanning out a circular area using his fins. Due to their highly territorial and aggressive nature during breeding, it's important to ensure ample space is provided to minimize conflicts. Once the nest is ready, the male will display courting behaviors to attract a female. When a female is receptive, she will join the male at the nest, and they will engage in a spawning embrace, during which eggs and sperm are released. This process may be repeated several times, and a single female can lay up to thousands of eggs.

Care of the Fry

After the eggs are fertilized, the female will leave the nest, while the male remains to guard the eggs. This protective behavior lasts until the eggs hatch, which usually occurs within 3 to 5 days, depending on the temperature of the water. Once hatched, the fry will remain in the nest for a short period, absorbing the yolk sacs as their initial source of nutrition. As the fry begin to swim freely, they can be fed small live foods such as micro worms, infusoria, or newly hatched brine shrimp. As the fry grow, their diet can be expanded to include larger foods like daphnia and finely crushed flakes. It's important to maintain optimal water conditions, closely monitoring pH levels (6.0 to 8.0) and providing swimming spaces away from potential aggressive adults.

Additional Information

Redear sunfish are not commonly bred by hobbyists largely due to their size and territorial nature. Instead, they are more frequently bred in aquaculture settings for stocking in wildlife management and recreational fishing. When considering breeding in captivity, ensure the tank size is sufficient to house the fish comfortably, with at least 60 liters per fish being ideal. Given their social nature, it is advised to maintain a school of at least five individuals to mimic natural conditions, though care should be taken to manage their territorial and aggressive behaviors effectively.