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21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Paternal Instinct

Clarke’s anemonefish (Amphiprion clarkil) caring for eggs. Once the female lays the eggs, the male becomes their primary caregiver during the incubation period. The male will defend the eggs against predators, aerate them to increase their oxygen supply and will also eat nonviable eggs to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and fungus.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 03.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Indonesia
Copyright: © Suliman Alatiqi