The mystery of life and the peak spawning season for grass puffers/Yokosuka

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1206070001/

June 7, 2012

Meeting the peak of spawning season, grass puffer fish release their eggs=Fukaura Bay, Urago-Cho, Yokosuka City

The peak spawning season has arrived for the grass puffer fish of Fukaura Bay, Urago-Cho, Yokosuka City. On the 6th, an observation group of 150 people made up of parents and children went to observe the mysteries of life.

With full tide approaching after 6PM, the group gathered along the shoreline in search of the spawning site. Swimming above the intense spraying waves, the males ejaculated on the eggs upon making contact with them. The spectator's cheers increased at the sight of the ocean’s cloudy surface.

Many grass puffer fish reside in the coasts south of Central Honshu, growing to a length of about 15 centimeters. Egg laying season lasts from the end of May until early July. For 2 to 3 days after both the full moon and new moon, the full tides of the evening are the peak time of observation.

Original text:

生命の神秘、クサフグ産卵最盛期/横須賀

2012年6月7日

最盛期を迎えたクサフグの産卵＝横須賀市浦郷町の深浦湾

横須賀市浦郷町の深浦湾内でクサフグの産卵が最盛期を迎えている。６日に観察会が開かれ、親子連れなど約１５０人が生命の神秘を見学した。

午後６時を過ぎて満潮が近づくと、産卵場所を求めて波打ち際に群れとなって集まる様子が見られた。激しく水しぶきを上げながら雌の産卵に合わせて雄が射精し、海水が白濁すると見学者からは歓声が上がった。

クサフグは本州中部以南の沿岸に多く生息し、体長は15センチほど。産卵は５月下旬から７月上旬に行われる。満月と新月の２、３日後にかけて夕方の満潮時に観察できる。