Mystery circles on the seafloor


ANIMALIA, SCIENCE |

The phenomenon of “crop circles” on land have been around for decades, but did you know that there have been sightings of mysterious circle patterns on the ocean floor as well? The circles are about 6.5 feet wide and were first found in Japan.

Turns out the mastermind behind these interesting markings is none other than the pufferfish!

Seafloor circle pattern mystery revealed via the octopian.com Photograph by Kimiaki Ito
Photograph by Kimiaki Ito (via)

“The circles, scientists say, are actually nests created by male pufferfish, which spend about ten days carefully constructing and decorating the structures to woo females. What’s more, this industrious pufferfish is thought to be a new species in the Torquigener genus, according to the study, published July 1 in the journal Scientific Reports“(via)

More information here. (via National Geographic)