What primary role do male White Crappie assume during the nesting process?
Answer
Nest construction and defense
Reproduction in White Crappie involves distinct roles for the sexes, highlighting a degree of parental care typical of sunfish species. The responsibility for preparing the nesting site and protecting the future offspring falls predominantly on the male fish. The male engages in constructing the nest, which is usually characterized as a shallow scrape or depression dug into the substrate, often found on gravel or sandy bottoms near submerged cover. Once the female has deposited her eggs into this prepared depression, the male assumes the vigilant duty of guarding the nest site, remaining protective until the eggs successfully hatch into fry.
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