Smallmouth bass

The smallmouth bass’s reproduction involves a discreet but essential courtship ritual. In spring, when the water reaches 15 to 18 degrees Celsius, the male prepares a circular nest about two meters in diameter on a sandy or gravelly bottom close to shore. That organizing of the site is the first step in attracting females’ attention.

Once the nest is ready, the male engages in seductive behavior: he swims in circles, exhibits his flanks and makes vibrating movements to attract a mate.

When a receptive female draws near, he accompanies her to the nest, where she lays between 5,000 and 14,000 eggs. The male fertilizes them immediately, then jealously protects them until they hatch, which takes 4 to 10 days. This parental behavior promotes the survival of the fry.

Fidelity to the spawning site is important for this species, in which males reach sexual maturity between the ages of 3 and 5, and females between 4 and 6.