23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Passing the Eggs

I captured Copperstriped cardinalfish spawning and passing eggs. The male fertilized the eggs by spraying them with sperm immediately after they were spawned, then quickly placed the eggs in his mouth and will protect and care them.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 06.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Numazu city, Japan
Camera: NIKON D850
Copyright: © Sayaka Ichinoseki