Hobbies And Interests
Nesting
Minnows breed in shallow water, from May to September. During this time of year, the water is at an optimal temperature, fluctuating between 60 and 80 degrees F. The male breeders create a nest underneath sticks or leaves in sandy areas, such as along riverbeds or inlets along the seashore. After the male minnows select and clean out a spot, they aggressively defend the area to drive away other fish.
Fertilization
The males lure the female minnows into the nest with a courting ritual that includes a series of static and quick-paced movements. Once in the nest, the female begins to spawn its eggs, while the two fish swim back and forth in the area. As the eggs are released, they are fertilized. Fertilization usually happens at night and takes a couple of hours. The eggs are deposited on the top of the nesting site in one or two layers. This process happens more than once, as a male might court more than one female to accumulate up to 12,000 eggs.
Hatching
After the eggs are fertilized, the male drives the female minnow is away. The male guards the nest until the eggs are hatched. Guarding is necessary because other minnows (both male and female) could eat the eggs. Also, the male nurtures the eggs, swimming back and forth while rubbing them with its dorsal fin. This friction between the fin and the eggs creates mucus that is beneficial for eggs. If the water is warm enough (about 70 to 80 degrees F), the eggs are hatched within one week. However, cooler temperatures (about 60 degrees F) can prolong the hatching up to two weeks.
Post Breeding Fatalities
A male minnow exerts a lot of energy when defending its nest during breeding season. The common way to combat other male and female minnows is to head butt them. Often male minnows are injured during these efforts. This fighting tactic results in an 80 to 85 percent fatality rate for male minnows.