Observations on the reproductive ecology of pirate perch Aphredoderus sayanus

The pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus) is common throughout its range, how ever, little is known about its reproductive ecology. Reports of spawning p eriods range from January to April, but it is unclear whether the pirate pe rch is a nest spawner or a branchial brooder. Results of this study indicat ed the major spawning period for pirate perch in the Atchafalaya River Basi n, Louisiana, is February through March (12.6 - 22.8 degrees C). Larval pir ate perch were collected in limnetic areas at 3.6-mm total length and were absent at 14-mm total length. It appears that adult pirate perch are nor br anchial brooders but release their adhesive eggs over leaf litter and woody debris.