Behavioural study of polyandrous spawning in blicca bjoerkna under a controlled environment

Abstract

This study describes the reproductive behaviour of silver bream, Blicca bjoerkna, in an aquarium environment with hormonal injection, constant temperature and natural photoperiod conditions. The results revealed that the reproductive behaviour of silver bream was polyandrous with courting tactics including a high level of tactile stimulation and following behaviour developed by the males, but without territorial or aggressive acts. The individual participation of males in mating acts showed a significant positive correlation with the individual participation of males in following a female. A successful spawning act included trembling movements and violent splashing while eggs and sperm were released on plants. The female mated with one to five males without an active inter- and intra-sexual selection.