Love Bites

I went for a swim the other day when I noticed two small spotted pufferfish at the surface. One seemed to be pushing the other, biting its fin. Was one of them injured? I had seen this once before where a wounded porcupinefish was being guarded by a mate or family member. It put itself between the wounded fish and me, protecting it from harassment or futher injury.

The pufferfish in front inflated, and I wondered if it was because I was there taking photos. I didnʻt want to further stress them out so I moved away. Then it occurred to me that maybe they were mating. Turning around to see what happened, I watched the two swimming after each other as if nothing was wrong. I have also seen fish biting and tugging on a fin as a mating ritual, so I think that was what was going on with these two. I have to say I was relieved!