 Ammocoetes of ABL feed on algae and detritus for 3–7 years before they metamorphose into sexually mature adult fish.Metamorphosis takes place in the late summer and early fall, with adults ready to spawn at the end of winter when spring temperatures are appropriate for egg development (~15 °C).The male(s), aided by a female(s), construct small nests by picking up pebbles with its mouth and moving them to form the rims of a shallow depression.