To protect his young, this Banggai cardinal fish dad carries their eggs in his mouth — fasting for nearly a month. Surrounded by predators, his sacrifice gives his offspring the best possible start in life.
Features
Otter Mom Juggles Raising Triplets
Otter triplets are extremely rare, and raising them pushes a mother to her limits.
Octopus Mother Propels Her Young to Freedom
For an octopus mother, mating marks the beginning of the end.
Oceans | Parenthood
Ocean parents must master dedication and intelligence to raise their young.
TRANSCRIPT
She displays to him, quivering her distended fins.
And then she releases a mass of eggs, which he takes into his mouth.
(water swishing) He hasn't swallowed them.
On the contrary, he is protecting them.
(water swishing) But for the next four weeks, he won't be able to eat.
Starvation, however, is the least of his worries.
There are predators around, of many kinds.
An unguarded baby fish would be quickly eaten, so the hatchlings stay inside their father's mouth.
This anemone could provide the male with a home, for although its tentacles have stings, he is immune to them.
But his predators are not.
The resident anemonefish is also immune, but this one doesn't welcome strangers.
(water swishing) This anemone, however, seems to have vacancies.
The male picks his moment to leave the safety of the urchin's spines.
Here, he's not alone.
But this anemonefish doesn't mind sharing.
He has found a new home for his young.
But they seem unwilling to leave his mouth.
So he gives them a little encouragement.