The pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus) is common throughout its range; however, little is known about its reproductive ecology. Reports of spawning periods range from January to April, but it is unclear whether the pirate perch is a nest spawner or a branchial brooder. Results of this study indicated the major spawning period for pirate perch in the Atchafalaya River Basin, Louisiana, is February through March (12.6—22.8 °C). Larval pirate perch were collected in limnetic areas at 3.6-mm total length and were absent at 14-mm total length. It appears that adult pirate perch are not branchial brooders but release their adhesive eggs over leaf litter and woody debris.