Alcichthys elongatus with Eggs | Elkhorn Sculpin

This is a 40cm male elkhorn sculpin (Alcichthys elongatus) protecting his yellow eggs, which are adhered to the surface of the large rock above him. Clutches of eggs are in various stages of development. 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-202304-2221.tif
Copyright: Copyright Tony Wu. All rights reserved. No duplication, reproduction or usage without prior written permission.
Image Size: 7668x5112 / 117.5MB; 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 40cm male elkhorn sculpin (Alcichthys elongatus) protecting his yellow eggs, which are adhered to the surface of the large rock above him. Clutches of eggs are in various stages of development. 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.