prevent sediment settling. During this time he shows remarkable bravery in defending his charges and will drive away any fish regardless of size.
The eggs hatch, on an average, in twelve days depending on the temperature of the water. The fry, which are almost invisible the first few days, hover over the nest for from forty-eight to sixty hours rising and falling as the surface water warms and cools. Later the proud father leads his numerous flock to the weed beds and leaves them to fend for themselves. Here begins an existence that cannot help but breed brave, strong, lusty fishes. They are not only pursued by enemies of all sorts but soon develop a fierce cannibalism and prey upon one another. Needless to say, those that survive are extremely fit and it is this cruel, fierce youth that produces the doughty warriors that we all love to engage in battle.
