During spawning and guarding the clutch the male does not feed. It displays aggressive behaviour. It attacks adult individuals of its species placed in aquarium (both males and females), hitting them with its head and trying to make them leave its territory. Spawning lasts for several days (Bolonev et al., 2002).
Eggs are laid on the lower surface of floating objects (boards, etc.) and plants (Zaloznykh, 1984; Kozlovsky, 2001) and also on stones and other objects lying on the bottom up to tins (Bolonev et al., 2002). At the time of incubation the clutch is protected by a male. In case of death of a male eggs on the second day are consumed by other fishes (Zaloznykh, 1982, 1984). The male fans the clutch with pectoral fins, therefore the eggs are bathed well and embryos do not suffer defficiency of oxygen. Moreover the male defends the clutch and may even attach man's hand. However rotan may eat its juveniles after hatching (Bolonev et al. 2002).
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