Bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) gathering in early morning for spawning | Palau

Bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) gathering in shallow water just after sunrise, in preparation for group spawning involving thousands of fish. These aggregations seem to occur often when there is a signficant level of suspended particles due to current and tide conditions. Coupled with low light levels, these conditions may provide the optimal chance for fertilized eggs to escape with the current and grow into fish larvae. Photographed in Palau.

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Copyright: Copyright Tony Wu. All rights reserved. No duplication in any form without prior written consent.
Image Size: 4986x3324 / 47.5MB; 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, Palau, Marine Life Reproduction, Fish Photos

Bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) gathering in shallow water just after sunrise, in preparation for group spawning involving thousands of fish. These aggregations seem to occur often when there is a signficant level of suspended particles due to current and tide conditions. Coupled with low light levels, these conditions may provide the optimal chance for fertilized eggs to escape with the current and grow into fish larvae. Photographed in Palau.