Scatter-Spawning of the Catfish, Silurus asotus

Abstract

Reproductive behaviour of the catfish,Silurus asotus was studied in temporary waters around paddy fields. Spawning occurred nocturnally during the first week from the initiation of irrigation. In reproductive activities, a male first energetically pursued a female with its head near to the female’s belly (chasing) and then began to cling to the female’s body from the side, bending its tail or head (clinging). Finally the male enfolded the female’s body, with its anus near to the female’s (enfolding). In some cases, 2–4 males pursued a single female and two males enfolded a female at the same time. Although no aggressive behaviour was evident between males, it was always the largest male that could most frequently approach and enfold the female. The mating pair moved a long distance in a ditch, paddy field and/or creek, performing reproductive activities. It is thought that the spawning site and period of spawning of the fish enable the larvae to avoid the danger of predation and to efficiently feed, firstly on plankton and later on larvae of other fishes which become abundant during the irrigation period. Although some eggs and larvae may die due to the drying out or high water temperatures of such unstable temporary waters, scattering eggs may reduce the incidence of the annihilation of the young.