Young bluegill sunfish assume one of two paths. Sneaky Tactics "Sneakers" use speed and agility to dart into nests guarded by a parental male and can steal some of the fertilizations when a female is spawning. Parental male 7 years to reach sexual maturity 1 Female 'Sneaker' male 2 years to reach sexual maturity Female From Sneaker to satellite "Sneakers" grow up into what are called satellite males, who mimic females in coloration, behavior and size. The camouflage act allows satellites to sit right in nests with other females, and then fertilize eggs when another female spawns. G R A ND VA LLE Y M AG AZ INE 28 SPR ING 201 7 What it means Satellite male These alternative reproductive tactics help keep the sneaker's lineage alive. A good variety of genetic sources tends to be associated with a healthy population.