TOCANTINS, BRAZIL — A pair of peacock bass were filmed protecting their own offspring at Tiraressaca Resort, located in the municipality of Sampaio, in northern Tocantins. The scene was recorded by farmer Moura Júnior, 24, who spotted the fish from a bridge on September 10.

The behavior caught the farmer’s attention, and he took out his cellphone to record the scene. According to him, what impressed him most was the way the fish remained close to their offspring.

“I decided to take out my cellphone and record the moment because I thought it was very beautiful and unusual to observe up close the behavior of the peacock bass caring for their offspring,” he said.

Biologist Hugo Buratti Neto explained that the fish recorded are a pair of the species Cichla piquiti, better known as the blue peacock bass.

According to the specialist, as occurs with other fish species, reproduction involves a great deal of parental care to increase the chances of survival for the eggs and offspring.

“Pairs usually choose areas with calmer waters, such as backwaters or beaches, to build the nest. Both the male and female participate in protecting the offspring,” the biologist said.

Amazon Agency