In the sand goby, Pomatoschistus minutus, males build nests and provide sole care for the eggs until hatching. We examined whether male and female courtship before spawning were associated with subsequent filial cannibalism by the male. Full and partial brood cannibalism showed distinct patterns. Broods that were later completely cannibalised were smaller, and spawning occurred later than in broods of males that received continued care. In contrast, brood size was not correlated with the extent of partial brood cannibalism. Instead, female courtship was negatively associated with partial brood cannibalism, whereas no similar relationship was found for male courtship. These results are consistent with full and partial brood cannibalism reflecting different biological mechanisms. Female courtship may provide information about future male care, influence subsequent male behaviour, or covary with brood or egg quality.