 The life cycle of the great northern tilefish begins as an egg , which is non @-@ adhesive and buoyant . Eggs that are artificially fertilized and kept in an environment between 71 ° F ( 22 ° C ) to 76 ° F ( 24 ° C ) hatch after 40 hours . The hatching larvae are around .1 inches ( 2 @.@ 5 mm ) in length . The larvae are found in plankton from July to September in the Middle Atlantic Bight . The transitional phase between larvae to juveniles is unknown , but juveniles either find or excavate a burrow or place of shelter to inhabit . After they grow in size and become sexually active the adults will spawn throughout the mating season to propagate the species . 
