lithophil

1) a reproductive guild (q.v.) of open rock and gravel spawners with benthic larvae characterised by the early hatched embryo being photophobic (hiding under rocks), moderately developed respiratory structures and late appearing pigment, e.g. Rhinichthys cataractae (Cyprinidae)

2) a reproductive guild (q.v.) of hidden rock and gravel spawners where eggs and embryos fall into crevices or are concealed in nests (redds). Eggs have large, dense yolks, extensive capillary networks for exogenous respiration, carotenoids for endogenous respiration, embryos are photophobic, and emerging alevins are large, e.g. Salmo salar

3) a reproductive guild (q.v.) where the eggs are strongly adhesive, oval or cylindrical, and attached by fibres in clusters from one pole of the egg. The eggs are laid on rocks and tended. Most species have pelagic, free embryos and larvae, e.g. Benthophilus stellatus

4) a reproductive guild (q.v.) involving nesting, where eggs are in spherical or elliptical envelopes, always adhesive, free embryos are photophobic or with cement glands, embryos swing tail-up in respiratory motions, moderate to well-developed embryonic respiratory structures present, and many young feed first on mucus of the parent, e.g. Lepomis macrochirus