Bumphead Parrotfish Preparing for Group Spawning

Bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) gathering at dawn in preparation for a spawning aggregation. The heads of some individuals have turned white, indicating that they are ready for spawning activity. The majority of fish, however, are not quite ready. Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of fish gather and mill around until there is consensus reached. Then all the fish rush out to deeper water for group spawning.

Add to Cart Add to Lightbox Download

Filename: bumphead-parrotfish-gathering-before-spawning-aggregation-palau-201604-1815.tif
Copyright: Copyright Tony Wu. All rights reserved. No duplication, reproduction or usage without prior written permission.
Image Size: 7318x4881 / 102.2MB; https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license#rm; https://www.tony-wu.com/contact-tony-wu; Bony Fish Parrotfish Animalia Chordata Osteichthyes Actinopterygii Perciformes Scaridae Bolbometopon muricatum Buffalo Parrotfish Bumphead Parrotfish Humphead Parrotfish Vulnerable: IUCN Red List Reproduction Spawning Schooling Pacific Philippine Sea Caroline Islands Palau
Contained in galleries: Marine Life | Palau, Marine Life Reproduction, Palau

Bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) gathering at dawn in preparation for a spawning aggregation. The heads of some individuals have turned white, indicating that they are ready for spawning activity. The majority of fish, however, are not quite ready. Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of fish gather and mill around until there is consensus reached. Then all the fish rush out to deeper water for group spawning.