These are methods by which coral reef fish readies a nest site or signals to prospective mates. Raped head-to-head circling and/or nose-to-belly nuzzling may signify that spawning is about to take place. Any of these performances are usually accompanied by dramatic changes in the patters or intensity of colors of the fish. Males and females tend to advertise their sex and availability through vibrant colors. This sexual dimorphism is most evident in such reef residents as groupers. The color patters change predictably from the "juvenile: to the "initial" subdued pattern of small adults to the "terminal" pattern in the largest adult males. The terminal male is the one with the brightest colors and gaudiest patterns.

Pair spawners spawn in pairs formed after the male courtship display. This display consists of many males erecting all their fins and acting aggressively toward one another. These actions tend to impress the female of the species who then chooses a specific make and "the couple rush toward the surface in a spiral manner." (P 100)

Sequential hermaphrodites begin their lives as either a male or a female and may change into the opposite sex. In some species, all members begin their lives as females and later on, as needed, males are "created". Some may begin as males and in time of need, turn into females.

Regional weather patterns such as monsoons, periods of high wind velocity, and major current shifts affect procreation. "Extreme weather and fierce currents make it difficult for young fishes ready to assume reef niches to find their way out of pelagic waters.

y an important role in fish reproduction. According to Peter H. Pressley, it appears that the moon/s light may be as important as its gravitational pull. "Some fishes may use periods of maximum moonlight for effective nest guarding during the week or so it takes for many demersal eggs to incubate. Since the larvae of many dermersal-spawning species are light sensitive, bright moonlight may help to orient them towards the water's shallows after nighttime hatching." (P 96)

Hermaphroditism makes the mating of any two mature fish, that happen to come together, possible.

The third group of spawners are the nest builders. Some fishes build nests for the shelter of their eggs guarded usually by the male. However, in some species the female guards and in others, both parents guard their nest. The tiggerfishes use their undulatory swimming to excavate large nests in the sand. Here, the ma

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