Pufferfish are the creators of the enigmatic underwater crop circles, not extraterrestrial beings! The pufferfish design intricate patterns to attract potential mates.
In our quest for extraterrestrial life, we have discovered (or perhaps invented) various pieces of evidence that give us hope about the existence of a mysterious intergalactic being. Besides UFO sightings, strange static interference in Russian space communication systems, and astonishing encounters with aliens on Earth, we have also focused our attention on crop circles, both on land and underwater, trying to link them to the unknown. However, the truth behind their creation is surprisingly pure and natural.
What Are Underwater ‘Crop Circles’?
Underwater crop circles are intriguing circular designs discovered on the ocean floor. These patterns are quite sizable, reaching a diameter of up to 200 cm (7 feet). They derive their name from their resemblance to crop circles found on land. In 1995, scuba divers first encountered these formations off the shoreline of southern Japan, specifically near Amami-Oshima Island in the Ryukyu islands.
An intricately designed crop circle (Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
Discovering something like this for the first time, especially underwater, would be both thrilling and terrifying. The patterns were incredibly detailed and captivating. They appeared mysteriously and disappeared just as mysteriously. For almost ten years, the enigma behind these mystical patterns remained unsolved. It wasn’t until 2013, when the ‘white-spotted pufferfish’ was found in the Ryukyu islands, that we finally figured out the source of these patterns. These species were initially observed by Yoji Ookata, a Japanese photographer who had dedicated fifty years of his life to uncovering the secrets of our planet and had extensively explored the waters off the coast of Japan.
What is the Process Behind the Creation of Intricate Patterns by Pufferfish?
Considering the small dimensions of the white-spotted pufferfish, which is only twelve centimeters long, the impressive size of the circles is truly remarkable. Nevertheless, it is the fish’s capability to generate one of nature’s most organized and symmetrical formations, despite its small stature, that truly captures our attention.
The main purpose of the fish creating these circles is to attract females. Male fish use their small fins to vigorously flap on the sandy seabed, creating ridges and grooves. It takes them about a week to complete a pattern, which consists of a detailed maze in the center made of smaller sand granules, surrounded by barrier-like sand mountains and grooves.
Rephrased text:
The fish move their small stomachs in a wiggling motion to create the circular shape in which they etch the designs using their fins. They start from the outer edge and work their way towards the center. The center displays an uneven pattern that is created by their tail fins, as they push extremely fine sand towards the inside.
The uniqueness of these patterns in nature stems from the radial symmetry of the design, which includes the valleys and grooves surrounding the circle. What sets it apart is the added decoration by males to attract females, often incorporating seashells and coral fragments. They even use various grains of sand to introduce color. This surpasses the efforts of certain humans, who claim intellectual superiority, in their own mating rituals!
The beauty of these patterns is enhanced by the way this design takes advantage of the flow of currents in the water. The peaks direct the water and small particles towards the center, while the valleys guide the water outward.
What is the Purpose of These Circles?
The primary purpose of these circles is to attract female fish for mating. This complex web serves as a special ritual to court the females of the species. The center of the circle is the designated entrance for the female fish. As a female fish approaches the circle, the male fish swiftly moves through the circle, collecting sand to showcase the quality of the material he used.
Despite the lack of sufficient evidence to support the hypothesis, it is widely accepted that females select their partners based on the complexity of the design, as it reflects the size and well-being of the males. Additionally, it is speculated that the nests are constructed to be large in order to be visible in the dark depths of the ocean.
The fish’s movements for building a nest (Photo Credit: -Wikimedia Commons)
If the female is attracted to the design, she will select a mate and subsequently deposit her eggs in the middle area, creating a nest. Males have the ability to mate with multiple females within a single day.
Once the eggs are deposited, a circular structure is created to serve as a protective nest for the eggs. While the females depart after laying the eggs, the males remain behind for nearly a week to ensure the safety of the eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the males relinquish their caretaking responsibilities for the nest, allowing it to be flattened and erased by the natural flow of water.
Afterwards, they relocate to create a fresh circle and initiate the process from the beginning. Although it may seem practical to reuse the same nest, it is believed that the fine sand particles are gradually dispersed by the ocean’s currents and the male’s courtship behavior. At that moment, it becomes easier to start anew on a clean canvas.
In this manner, white-spotted pufferfish construct some of the most symmetrical and distinctive formations in nature, while also giving rise to one of the most intricate and endearing courtship rituals in the natural world. I firmly believe that we as humans could gain some insights about romance from these tiny fish!