Part 3/5:
In a breathtaking display of coordination, the male splash tetra turns his attention to a nearby female. For a successful mating process, both fish must leap out of the water and hit the same leaf simultaneously after the female lays her eggs. This unique strategy not only underscores the complexities of their mating ritual but also emphasizes the importance of timing and teamwork in the natural world.
Ensuring Egg Protection
Once the female has laid her eggs on the leaf, the male takes his role seriously. He spreads his jaw and fins strategically, clinging to the leaf just long enough to fertilize the eggs. This technique is extraordinary as it provides an essential layer of protection against predators that lurk below, waiting to consume any eggs that fall into the river.