SEASONAL CHANGES

In early June the male occupies an area of small gravel and clears it of debris with its fins. This nest site will have flowing water provided by the current of a stream or by the waves of a lake. The female will deposit up to 5000 eggs in the nest which are fertilized and guarded by the male. Although the male is protective of its young, the adults may eat their young when foodstuffs are not readily available.

After spawning, they travel in schools consisting of the largest of the species and the small yearlings. Normally, the rock bass with its larger mouth and sets of teeth will feed on minnows, crayfish, and aquatic insects. There is much competition for food within the school, making it easy to catch these fish with a variety of small lures and bait.

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