19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Father and Enemy

This Atka mackerel’s father was holding a starfish and trying to keep it away from their protected egg territory. Atka mackerel's father was taking care of the eggs laid by the female. They were sending fresh seawater to eggs with the mouse. There are many omnivorous creatures such as sea urchins and starfish here, and eggs are always targeted by them, for that, father always patrols.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2021
Date Uploaded: 05.2021
Photo Location: Japan
Camera: NIKON D850
Copyright: © Sayaka Ichinoseki