Mandarin fish behavior

[klausi]

I recently had the chance to observe and photograph some really interesting mandarin fish behavior. At a dive site (lighthouse, Malapascua, Philippines) normally known for mandarin fish mating activity, three male fish ran into each other and started a territorial display contest lasting for minutes. With outspread fins the three male fish tried to convince each other that they ere the biggest and had the rights to the area and the females in it.

Enjoy the photograph below and the whole series on Flickr.

 

[DocVikingo]

Wow, those are beauties. Thanks, klausi.

Done a night dive or 2 at the Lighthouse in Malapascua myself. Super site for critters.