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Definition

Sea circles, are ornate symmetrical patterns that are temporarily carved into the sea floor, and closely resemble that of crop circles. These sandy nest structures are seven feet in diameter and lie approximately 80 feet under the ocean. The sea circles are constructed into two distinct shapes with an outer region that contains ditches and is composed of 25-30 holes arranged in a circular fashion and an inner region that consists of superficial holes in the center. It was discovered that the sea circle is created by the male puffer-fish Torquigener albomaculosus, who, using only one fin, creates a sea circle with the intention of attracting a mate.

History

Sea circles were first discovered in 1995 off the southwest coast of Japan on Amami-Oshima Island. They were discovered by the native diver Yoji Ookata who was taken aback by the peculiarity of the circles. After the discovery, Ookata brought colleagues and a television crew to further study the underwater circles. Researches have since attempted to uncover what creates these sea circles but had repeatedly failed until 2001, when a group of Japanese researchers discovered the male puffer-fish Torquigener albomaculosus ' mating ritual and took the first photograph. History will be updated as more is discovered.

Folklore

This structure was commonly called a mystery circle before 2001 as its origin was unknown. They were also known by the term “fairy circles,” because they closely resemble “fairy rings” which are rings of mushrooms that surround a plants mycelium. Some believe these fairy rings and fairy circles are portals to the fairy realm.

Circle Creation

Sea Circles are built by the tiny male puffer-fish Torquigener albomaculosus which measures approximately 120mm in length. This fish is said to be found only in the southwest coastal seas of Japan. The circles are constructed throughout several different stages. During the earliest stage the preliminary circular shape is obtained through the use of pectoral, anal, and caudal fins. The back and forth, as well as the linear movement of the fins of this fish, is what aids in building the peaks and valleys in the circle. During the middle stage of construction, the circle becomes clearly visible. The male will also use his tail to usher sand towards the middle of the circle to stir it up in order to create a nest structure in the middle. During the last stage of this construction, the peaks are embellished by the male fish with corals and shells, completing the circle.

Mating Process

After a Sea Circle is created, a female will visit, and the mating process can begin. The larger the circle is, the more distinguished patterns the circle has, and the deeper the embellishments, the higher the chance a female will choose to mate. The female first enters the middle of the circle causing the male to leave while she lays her eggs. The male remains close to the nest and visits the female on several occasions during her egg spawning period. After the process is complete, the female leaves and the male cares for the eggs for up to six days, but does not maintain the structure. The structure collapses from this negligence, and the sand returns to its original state. Once the eggs hatch, the nesting site is never revisited again by the same puffer-fish due to the sand particles not retaining their fine texture. There is a large amount of competition over these nesting sites due to its construction time ranging from 7-9 days. Once the babies are on their way, the male puffer-fish begins creating another circle.

Implications

The circles show mating patterns of female fish, which is an important factor in examining biodiversity. Sea circles are integral to Darwin’s theory of reproductive success to understand why certain circles are chosen over others by a female Torquigener albomaculosus.