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Spawning Aggregation | Bumphead Parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) | Palau

Clouds of sperm and eggs released by thousands of bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) engaged in mass spawning in the early morning. Simultaneous release of gametes in such large quantities likely serves to maximize chances of survival for fertilized eggs. Group spawning also obscures visibility underwater, creating hazy, fog-like conditions. Photographed in the early morning in Palau.

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Filename: bumphead-parrotfish-spawning-aggregation-palau-bolbometopon-muricatum-201311-0487.tif
Copyright: Copyright Tony Wu. All rights reserved. No duplication in any form without prior written consent.
Image Size: 4900x3267 / 46.4MB; 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 Monochrome
Contained in galleries: Marine Life | Palau, Marine Life Reproduction, Palau, Fish Photos

Clouds of sperm and eggs released by thousands of bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) engaged in mass spawning in the early morning. Simultaneous release of gametes in such large quantities likely serves to maximize chances of survival for fertilized eggs. Group spawning also obscures visibility underwater, creating hazy, fog-like conditions. Photographed in the early morning in Palau.