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View Full Version : Pufferfish create amazing circular patterns in the sand as mating ritual.



toad
27th July 2013, 18:57
http://www.nature.com/srep/2013/130701/srep02106/images/srep02106-f3.jpg

http://www.nature.com/srep/2013/130701/srep02106/full/srep02106.html


We report that male pufferfishes (Torquigener sp., Tetraodontidae) constructed large geometric circular structures on the seabed that played an important role in female mate choice. Males dug valleys at various angles in a radial direction, constructing nests surrounded by radially aligned peaks and valleys. Furthermore, they created irregular patterns in the nest comprising fine sand particles. The circular structure not only influences female mate choice but also functions to gather fine sand particles in nests, which are important in female mate choice. Strangely enough, the males never reuse the nest, always constructing a new circular structure at the huge cost of construction. This is because the valleys may not contain sufficient fine sand particles for multiple reproductive cycles.

Vitalux
27th July 2013, 18:59
That is so beautiful and amazing.
Wish I could do that when I mates :(


;)

Chip
27th July 2013, 19:47
That's really fascinating.
Reminds me of a cymatic formation but lacking vibration from the ocean floor.
Almost as if this specie is mimicking some type of sound vibration. Just thinking out loud.
One of the 7 basic tenants of Hermeticism is "all things vibrate".
This although I know was constructed physically by the fish sure does look like something "else" is going on.
Love life's mysteries!
Peace

toad
29th July 2013, 17:55
YWtmSoimhcM

conk
2nd August 2013, 16:12
So, the puffer fish get drunk at the local Octopub, then go out and make underwater "crop circles" to fool their friends?

"I dunno Squidward, maybe it's those AW creatures making them. You know Above Water types that are said to exist"?