4 replies to this topic

[centrarchid]

I am playing with an exotic ornamental (Red-tailed Shark) trying to make sense of what they are doing. They appear inclined to maintain feeding territories. As I try to work out method for housing a group it has become apparent no information is out easy to find on natural behavior in natural environment. Do any of our north American native minnows maintain territories outside of breeding?

[gerald]

Cyprinellas seem to, at least in captivity.  But then, when is it NOT breeding season for a Cyprinella in a tank with year-round summer temp and light?

[centrarchid]

Cyprinella females do it as well?

[gerald]

They chase and nip each other; not sure if "territorial" is the right term.  More like testing the dominance heirarchy.

[centrarchid]

Thus far I have found only a couple of the centrarchids that maintain territories outside of breeding. Looks like our native warmwater fishes do not use the approach very often. Some cichlids and apparently Red-tailed Sharks do it in a big way.