The reproductive behaviour of the African catfish Heterobranchus longifilis (Siluriformes, Clariidae) in an aquarium - Preliminary results

Aggressive and spawning behaviours of Heterobranchus longifilis were observed in aquaria under controlled environmental conditions. Reproductive behaviour was induced in 11 groups of two to six fish by means of a single injection of carp pituitary extract. Behavioural data were recorded by direct observation or with a camera system. Sexual behaviour was observed in six groups, but egg release was observed in only one, the responses to hormonal stimulation differing strongly. The complete spawning sequence was observed, including aggressive (lateral display, circling display, biting, and rapid swimming head against head) and spawning behaviours (swimming head against head, male folding his body around the head of the female, spawning and egg release, egg scattering).