Mating behavior of the rock catfish, Silurus lithophilus |
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Authors: | Masayoshi Maehata |
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Institution: | (1) Lake Biwa Museum, 1091 Oroshimo-cho, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-0001, Japan (e-mail: maehata@lbm.go.jp), JP |
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Abstract: | The mating behavior of the rock catfish Silurus lithophilus (Siluriformes: Siluridae), a species endemic to the Lake Biwa system, was observed from May to July in 1989–1994 along the
rocky shore of the lake's outlet, the Seta River. The mating behavior of S. lithophilus involved a certain behavioral sequence: “chasing,”“clinging,” and “enfolding” while “squeezing” by the male; and “circling”
by the spawned pair. The mating behavior of this species was basically similar to that of S. biwaensis, but greatly different from that of S. asotus, which spawns in running water (in ditches). The mating behavior of S. lithophilus (and S. biwaensis) might have developed as an adaptation to lentic environments such as the shores of the large river or the lake.
Received: October 25, 2000 / Revised: February 25, 2001 / Accepted: March 8, 2001 |
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Keywords: | Silurus lithophilus Silurus biwaensis Silurus asotus Endemic species Behavioral sequence |
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