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. Anywhere from 1600 eggs to 7000 eggs may be released at a time. Once the eggs are laid, the male stands guard to make sure nothing happens to them or his nest.