Why do anglerfish males fuse to females in some species?
Quick Answer
In some deep-sea anglerfish species, males attach permanently to females because mates are extremely hard to find in the deep ocean. The male becomes a sperm-producing partner that depends on the female for survival.
The Full Story
In the dark, sparsely populated deep sea, finding a mate can be incredibly difficult. In some anglerfish species, the tiny male bites onto the female and eventually fuses with her tissues, becoming a permanent reproductive partner. He loses many independent functions and relies on the female for nutrients while providing sperm when needed. This bizarre adaptation increases the chance that both animals can reproduce in an environment where encounters are rare. It is one of the most extraordinary mating systems known in vertebrates.
Key Facts
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