I have`kept bluegills and pumpkinseed in a heated tank (78F)for over a year. I recently took out the heater and the temp dropped th 75F and there is considerably more aggression especially between the pumpkinseeds. Wondering if anyone has experience with these fish and noticed a relationship between aggression and lower water temp (possibly something to do with breeding?) There is not much info out there on keeping these native fish and their behavior in the home aquarium. Thanks in advance!
Keeping Sunfish
- Thread starter Capt Dave
- Start date
I have nothing to back this up but personally I have better results fishing when it is cooler, I've always assumed that this fish get lazy when its too hot(much like me).
we always kept bream without a heater in the garage, since they are native fish they can survive through the colder months - never had a huge problem with aggression though what size tank are they in? and yes 75 degree water would be about right for their spawning habits i believe so that could very well be the issue
They might think its spring.....whats your male/female ratio? Nanfa forum has alot of info on keeping Lepomis and other Centrarchids.....just make sure you search through the forum before asking questions they get a little uptight with hearing the same questions over and over.Capt Dave;4530714;4530714 said:
yea i looked at that site and they were informative but no info on aggression. they are in a 75 gallon. There is a definite pecking order with these fish. I gotta keep a close eye on them as i dont want this to get outta control. Thanks for the input MFK members!
I believe the temperature dropping from the normal temp, signaled the breeding behavior. The aggressive behavior will probably become pretty severe.
centrarchids generally spawn with an increase in water temp, although some populations have been known to spawn year round, in cooler climates spawning usually takes place in spring. Warmer water can cause sluggishness, as during the summer months when the water temp is up, and the dissolved oxygen is lower. The drop in temp could have just caused an increase in energy levels and activity, and they are nipity critters anyway. Do you know the sexes of your fish? How many are there and what size?I've found that with centrarchids, more is better as it helps to dilute the agression amongst numerous fish.
By the way, feed earthworms and crickets reguraly, it helps them alot with color, growth, and behavior.
By the way, feed earthworms and crickets reguraly, it helps them alot with color, growth, and behavior.
I'm curious on how you tell the sex of a Longear sunfish. I've heard the males are brighter, is there anything else other that that?