Hemitripterus villosus Sculpin Courtship | Sea Raven

This is a male sea raven (Hemitripterus villosus) approaching a female during spawning season. The male has stuck his head underneath the female to check her reproductive status. Spawning did not occur. The ability of these fish to blend in with the environment is apparent. Patterns and colors on their bodies mimic those of the rocks. The male appears to have a fish hook lodged in his right pectoral fin. Photographed in Hokkaido, Japan.

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Filename: hemitripterus-villosus-sea-raven-courtship-202411-3250.tif
Copyright: Copyright Tony Wu. All rights reserved. No duplication, reproduction or usage without prior written permission.
Image Size: 7088x4725 / 195.5MB; https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license#rm; https://www.tony-wu.com/contact-tony-wu; Bony Fish Sculpin Animalia Chordata Osteichthyes Teleostei Perciformes Hemitripteridae Hemitripterus villosus Sea Raven Shaggy Kemushi-kajika Pacific Japan Hokkaido
Contained in galleries: Marine Life Reproduction, Fish Photos, Marine Life | Japan

This is a male sea raven (Hemitripterus villosus) approaching a female during spawning season. The male has stuck his head underneath the female to check her reproductive status. Spawning did not occur. The ability of these fish to blend in with the environment is apparent. Patterns and colors on their bodies mimic those of the rocks. The male appears to have a fish hook lodged in his right pectoral fin. Photographed in Hokkaido, Japan.