They then begin to build nests and find mates. Pumpkinseeds tend to remain active throughout the day. You can usually observe this species from dusk until dawn. At sunrise and sunset they become very active due to the insect activity on the water s surface. Pumpkinseeds do not usually venture into deep water, they tend to stay in their shallow, densely vegetated environments.
Males build their nests in warm, shallow water.
He uses his caudal fin to clear a suitable space in the sandy bottom for his nest. Females stay out in deeper water, until the nests are built. Once the nests are finished the females approach the colony. The males then swim towards them and try to push them into their nests. If successful the pair begin to swim in circles, side by side, with the female tilted to one side and their belly s touching.