Third-place finish in the 2019 Ocean Art Competition goes to artist Willy Irawan for his compact piece of work
In a remarkable discovery, a photographer managed to capture the rarely observed mating ritual of the Hairy Frogfish during a night dive at the Mucky Mosque dive site in Alor, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia.
The mating ritual, which typically occurs shortly after sunset, involves pairs of Hairy Frogfish forming close bonds and staying together until the female lays eggs. The eggs are deposited on a spongy patch of skin under the male's tail, which has specialized structures to hold and oxygenate the eggs as they develop for several weeks.
During the observed ritual, the female Hairy Frogfish convulsed, and the male bit its belly, launching them into mid-water. This behavior is a unique aspect of the Hairy Frogfish mating ritual, setting it apart from other anglerfish species.
The photographer, who was off duty during the night dive, used a Sony RX100 V Camera equipped with an Isotta RX100 V Housing. The camera settings used were 1/160 sec, F4.5, ISO 100. The Dual Inon Z-330 Strobes were also used to illuminate the scene.
The discovery of the Hairy Frogfish ended a 3-year search in the area, and some guests were excited to see the rare creature during the night dive.
The Hairy Frogfish, known for its cryptic lifestyle, reaches sexual maturity around two years old and has a lifespan of around six years. Mating occurs when the female is ready to spawn, but specific frequency details are scarce due to the rarity of observations.
The ritual ensures that a male fertilizes and protects the eggs externally, as the male carries them until hatch. However, no parental care is provided post-hatching. This unique behavior contrasts with other anglerfish species, such as some that exhibit permanent physical fusion between male and female.
The Hairy Frogfish's mating ritual is a fascinating example of the diversity of reproductive strategies in related species. The rarity of documented observations leaves room for further study, making encounters like this all the more valuable for understanding the behavior of these elusive creatures.
[1] FishBase. (n.d.). Hairy Frogfish. Retrieved from https://fishbase.se/summary/SpeciesSummary.php?ID=19244 [2] National Geographic. (n.d.). The Strange Love Lives of Deep-Sea Anglerfish. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/deep-sea-anglerfish/ [3] Shannon, B. (2021, March 23). Hairy Frogfish Mating Ritual Captured on Camera. Retrieved from https://www.divemag.com/news/hairy-frogfish-mating-ritual-captured-on-camera/
Read also:
- Inequalities in colorectal cancer among racial groups: Insights and actions for support
- Liver Cancer Treatment Method: Insights into Function, Potential Sidelines, Efficiency
- Medical professionals at St. Remigius Hospital's rear facilities in Alexian
- Boron's Impact on Bone Health and its Connection with Bey (Title omitted)
