Reproductive Behavior of the Ice Goby Leucopsarion petersi in Captivity

Abstract

The ice goby Leucopsarion petersi spawn at the lower reaches of rivers. Their reproductive behavior has not been properly observed due to their nesting habit under stones. We have reared parent fish in glass cases prepared for observation of nesting, mating, and brood-care behavior.
Males were found building and protecting their nests under stones before attracting females. It was possible to watch and to take photographs of females entering, discharging eggs, and leaving the nests. Our observations also covered actions of males fanning water and brushing eggs in the nests, and newly hatched larvae leaving the nest.
Polyethylene resin was poured into nests built in the Hatauchi River, so as to produce molds for measuring the size. Reliable molds were obtained for five nests in the observation field.
The major and minor axes extended 50 to 128 mm and 12 to 112 mm, respectively. Height was found less variable than the above measures, ranging between 6.7 and 7.7 mm.