Elkhorn Sculpin with Eggs | Alcichthys elongatus

This is a male elkhorn sculpin (Alcichthys elongatus) watching over a carpet of bright yellow eggs. This is a difficult scene to document, as males of this species select tight crevices for their reproductive dens, sites characterized by cramped, restricted access. This species reproduces via internal gametic association, meaning copulation takes place, but fertilization only occurs when females spawn the eggs and contact with seawater happens. The Japanese name is Niji-kajika. Photographed in Hokkaido, Japan.

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Filename: alcichthys-elongatus-elkhorn-sculpin-male-eggs-japan-202304-1595.tif
Copyright: Copyright Tony Wu. All rights reserved. No duplication, reproduction or usage without prior written permission.
Image Size: 7417x4945 / 105.8MB; https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license#rm; https://www.tony-wu.com/contact-tony-wu; Bony Fish Sculpin Animalia Chordata Osteichthyes Teleostei Perciformes Cottidae Alcichthys elongatus Elkhorn Sculpin Elongated Sculpin Oblong Elkhorn Sculpin Niji-kajika Eggs Reproduction Paternal Brooding Pacific Japan Hokkaido
Contained in galleries: Marine Life Reproduction, Fish Photos, Marine Life | Japan

This is a male elkhorn sculpin (Alcichthys elongatus) watching over a carpet of bright yellow eggs. This is a difficult scene to document, as males of this species select tight crevices for their reproductive dens, sites characterized by cramped, restricted access. This species reproduces via internal gametic association, meaning copulation takes place, but fertilization only occurs when females spawn the eggs and contact with seawater happens. The Japanese name is Niji-kajika. Photographed in Hokkaido, Japan.