"When male and female anglerfish mate, their reproductive process is highly unusual and adapted to the unique conditions of the deep sea. In this vast and dark environment, where encounters between potential mates are rare, the mating strategy of anglerfish involves a dramatic physiological transformation. The male anglerfish, upon finding a female, latches onto her with his teeth and becomes permanently attached.
Once the male anglerfish has attached to the female, a process of fusion begins. Over time, the male's body physically melds with the female’s. His eyes and internal organs degenerate and vanish, leaving him with only the essential reproductive tissues. The male's circulatory system also merges with that of the female, creating a shared bloodstream. This fusion allows the male to rely entirely on the female for nourishment and oxygen, while he provides sperm for fertilization.
This extreme form of symbiosis ensures that both fish are able to reproduce successfully despite the sparse population densities in the deep sea. The male's complete integration into the female's body provides a continuous supply of sperm whenever needed, which is critical for successful reproduction in the challenging conditions of their environment. This adaptation highlights the unique and often extreme evolutionary strategies that species employ to thrive in the harshest habitats on Earth."
Once the male anglerfish has attached to the female, a process of fusion begins. Over time, the male's body physically melds with the female’s. His eyes and internal organs degenerate and vanish, leaving him with only the essential reproductive tissues. The male's circulatory system also merges with that of the female, creating a shared bloodstream. This fusion allows the male to rely entirely on the female for nourishment and oxygen, while he provides sperm for fertilization.
This extreme form of symbiosis ensures that both fish are able to reproduce successfully despite the sparse population densities in the deep sea. The male's complete integration into the female's body provides a continuous supply of sperm whenever needed, which is critical for successful reproduction in the challenging conditions of their environment. This adaptation highlights the unique and often extreme evolutionary strategies that species employ to thrive in the harshest habitats on Earth."
❤5
"One of the underwater mysteries that once puzzled experts was the discovery of strange drawings in the sand with almost perfect circular patterns found on the seabed off Japan. It took them a decade to find out why they originated and why they suddenly appeared and disappeared until they finally managed to discover it. The author of these amazing formations, almost 2 meters wide, was a newly discovered species of puffer fish measuring no more than 12 centimeters. Subsequent studies determined that they were ornate circles to attract mating partners. Males spend six weeks building these "crop circles" underwater just to mate for a few seconds. To make them, he gathers fine sand in mounds and decorates them with seashells he finds. If he is lucky, the willing female will stand in the center of the circle to indicate approval for mating. If not, the ocean current will carry away his work of art."
❤12