With the Valentine’s season upon us, I thought I would write about those fish which most symbolize Love ❤️. Most of us have seen Koi fish in ponds used as a decorative ornament but aside from their striking colors the word Koi in some contexts in Japanese actually means romantic Love. Koi fish are members of the carp family. In Japanese culture they signify strength, perseverance, good fortune and long lifespans. Sometimes living over 200 years. Though most Koi are sold for alot less the most expensive Koi ever was sold in an auction for $1.8 million in 2018. That is one heck of alot of chocolate 🍫.
Next up is the Mobula Ray. It is believed Mobula Rays leap out of the water for many different reasons. One of those reasons may be linked to courtship and mating. Males jump through the air in an enticing aerial display to attract females. The higher the leap the more likelihood a male will attract a mate. And that’s not all the sound of their splash upon landing back in the water is also believed to play a role in the mating process. Viva la difference!!
Next up on the list is the Angelfish. Here we have in the photo above a majestic angelfish & below a French Angelfish. French Angelfish are one of the few fish species of fish believed to be monogamous for life. Once they pair they are rarely if ever seen alone. They don’t take marriage vows but they do stay together hunting, protecting their territory and rearing their young until death do them part.
While probably not winning any beauty contests the Anglerfish shown above has become quite a curiosity over the last few years. They are a deep VERY DEEP species of fish and until recently not much has been known about them. One thing that is known is how they pair for life. A female looking to mate in the deep depths thousands of feet deep radiates light drawing the much smaller male toward her. The male which is up to 3 times smaller than the female attaches itself to her fusing together for life morphing into one organism whereby the only part of the male which remains is his procreation sack. I guess you could say she’s got him by the balls.
Up next is a fish I am very familiar with. The Gag Grouper. Gag Grouper a very tasty and fun fish to catch has distinct markings on the side of its mouth resembling 💋 kiss shaped lips.💋 Gag Grouper are not monogamous and do not pair for life but they are all born female and transition to male as they mature. If there are not enough males in a spawning Group of Grouper some females will change sex becoming males making Grouper one of the most adaptable species of fish for reproductive purposes. That’s a special kind Valentine’s cooperation.
The butterfly fish has a distinctive looking eye on its body. They use to evade predators the eye making it seem like they are swimming in the opposite direction. They also form lifelong pairs.
Thank you for reading. I may make another Valentine’s post which will include seahorse & a certain species of shark.
To order a copy click here 👇
