
Why This Fish Dad Fasts for a Month
Clip: Season 44 Episode 8 | 3m 3sVideo has Closed Captions
This fish dad doesn’t eat for a month to protect his young.
To protect his young, this Banggai cardinal fish dad carries their eggs in his mouth — fasting for nearly a month. Surrounded by predators, his sacrifice gives his offspring the best possible start in life.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Major support for NATURE is provided by The Arnhold Family in memory of Henry and Clarisse Arnhold, Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III, The Fairweather Foundation, Charles Rosenblum, Kathy Chiao and...

Why This Fish Dad Fasts for a Month
Clip: Season 44 Episode 8 | 3m 3sVideo has Closed Captions
To protect his young, this Banggai cardinal fish dad carries their eggs in his mouth — fasting for nearly a month. Surrounded by predators, his sacrifice gives his offspring the best possible start in life.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipShe displays to him, quivering her distended fins.
And then she releases a mass of eggs, which he takes into his mouth.
(water swishing) He hasn't swallowed them.
On the contrary, he is protecting them.
(water swishing) But for the next four weeks, he won't be able to eat.
Starvation, however, is the least of his worries.
There are predators around, of many kinds.
An unguarded baby fish would be quickly eaten, so the hatchlings stay inside their father's mouth.
This anemone could provide the male with a home, for although its tentacles have stings, he is immune to them.
But his predators are not.
The resident anemonefish is also immune, but this one doesn't welcome strangers.
(water swishing) This anemone, however, seems to have vacancies.
The male picks his moment to leave the safety of the urchin's spines.
Here, he's not alone.
But this anemonefish doesn't mind sharing.
He has found a new home for his young.
But they seem unwilling to leave his mouth.
So he gives them a little encouragement.
Preview of Parenthood "Oceans"
Video has Closed Captions
Preview: S44 Ep8 | 30s | Ocean parents must master dedication and intelligence to raise their young. (30s)
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Major support for NATURE is provided by The Arnhold Family in memory of Henry and Clarisse Arnhold, Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III, The Fairweather Foundation, Charles Rosenblum, Kathy Chiao and...

