Here we see three native Brook Trout on spawning substrates
The female is at the front, closely guarded by the dominant male. A third Brook Trout, likely a sneaker male, sits at a safe distance behind.
The female begins using her tail to fan the area. Removing silt from potential redd materials.
As the female circles towards the back of the redd, the less dominant male inches forward.
The dominant male becomes irritated and engages with the smaller male.
As he moves the sneaker male from his claimed area, a third male enters the frame from a redd further upstream.
The males will continue with this hierarchal ritual throughout the spawning process.
©Tim Owen - Virginia DWR