As it’s the month of love and Valentines is upon us, I thought it would be fun to research love stories within the depths of the ocean. From spectacular courtship rituals to lifelong partnerships that endure the test of time.
There is no better place to start than the mystical seahorse. Many species of seahorse are monogamous and are on the look out for a mate for life. They will engage in a courtship dance, intertwining their tails and swimming together in unison.
When they have successfully mated, it is the male seahorse that carries the precious eggs in his pouch and then gives birth to his brood. With the beautiful courtship dance being displayed when they next meet again.
Artists for centuries have made muses of lovers, from Pablo Picasso to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Who would have thought that male, white-spotted pufferfish create elaborate sand art on the seafloor to attract female attention during courtship.
This artwork doesn’t just happen overnight, he will work solidly for a week, flapping his fins on the seafloor to build ridges to construct his ornate circular structure. He isn’t finished there! a unique maze pattern is created in the middle and shells and corals are then delicately placed to decorate his sculpture.
A passing female will stop in her path to evaluate his artwork and if it passes her approval she will lay her eggs in the centre of the maze. The male will then guard the precious bounty until they hatch.
Manta rays perform elaborate courtship rituals starting with a single female. She will release pheromones to attract the attention of the males, however this is only the beginning of this spectacular event.
She will glide through the water twisting and turning at high speed with the males chasing. This courtship train can have up to thirty males in pursuit. It is ultimately a test of the male’s endurance and agility by swimming in different patterns.
The female will pick the male who impressed the most with his athleticism, both then engaging in a synchronised dance where mating will then follow.
If you have had the pleasure of a well-earned trip to the spa, no doubt your backdrop to a facial or body massage was the soothing and tranquil sounds of whale song.
Humpback males, during mating season will compose and perform love songs. These are complex compositions that can last from six to thirty-five minutes and astonishingly, travel for thousands of miles. These songs convey a depth of information that goes beyond simple communication.
In response, the females will engage in a gymnastic like display, flipping, rolling and breaching for the male’s attention. He will tenderly slide against her, caressing her with his pectoral fins where mating will ensue.
Cuttlefish will do anything to find their mating partner. With smaller males becoming masters of disguise to mimic the appearance of females. Enabling them to approach dominant males and mate with the female whilst he is unaware.
Males will use every tool they have available to seduce a partner. Rapidly changing the colour and pattern of their skin in what can only be described as a colour war.
Think lasers and lights in a night club and yes, the cuttlefish can do this too! Using their tentacles to hypnotic affect. They will grab the females and entwine their arms, enabling the male to deliver a sperm packet. The female will then attach her fertilised eggs onto the seafloor.
If you ever wanted to see a true romance play out before you, it would be the love story of the French angelfish.
Nature can be cutthroat, animals only meeting up to mate, to keep the species going, partners never to be seen again. There is nothing fleeting about French angelfish, who are truly devoted to one another. The couple will hunt for food together and defend their territory, sharing life together.
They will swim side by side and dance for one another in a ritual known as ‘carouseling.’ Now that’s what I call true love!
Who would have thought, that beneath the waves there are some truly remarkable scenes of affection and love stories unfolding. All, ultimately in a bid to keep a species evolving.
For mates to seek out the strongest most virile through acts of synchronised courtship dances, camouflage and deception through to the composition of complex sounds that travel tens of thousands of miles. Nature, you’ve got to love it!!!!
Why not spread a little love in the office, workplace or education/health/care setting by leasing an aquarium from Aqualease.
Or to learn in more detail about our amazing oceans, book an educational experience like the very popular ‘Aqua Explorer’ Rock Pool Project.
