 In a 1995 study, Nelson found that in pit-spawning females will choose with which males to mate based on the size of the pit that they dig as well as some of the physical characteristics shown in the males.Pit-spawning also differs from mouthbrooding in the size and post-natal care that is exhibited.Eggs that have been hatched from pit-spawning cichlids are usually smaller than those of mouthbrooders.