Orfe Breeding Habits and Spawning Requirements

Maturity and Size

Orfe (ide) mature around 8 inches but can grow to 2.5 feet.

Spawning Conditions

• Habitat: Weedy or sandy shallow areas.
• Substrate: Adhesive eggs attach to stones and vegetation.
• Temperature Trigger: Spawning begins in spring after water reaches ~41°F (5°C) for 2-3 days.
• Egg Production: At least 40,000 eggs per spawning event.
• Incubation: ~5 days at 65-70°F (18-21°C); longer in cooler water. Optimal development at ~65°F.

Parental Care

None. Adults abandon eggs and will eat hatchlings. This is why survival rates are low in ponds with adult fish.