Video: Watch a fourspined sticleback build a nest

You never know what fascinating behaviors you might see in an Aquarium exhibit. Recently aquarists spotted a fourspined stickleback (Apeltes quadracus) building a nest in the seahorse exhibit on the third level. Check out the video:



Male sticklebacks build a nest by attaching tying together vegetation using secretions from their kidneys. Once the nest is complete it attracts females, who lay their eggs in it. The males then chase the females away and fertilize the eggs. Studies have shown that males build multiple nests, so be sure to keep a look out on your next visit. You might just see a builder at work!

Fourspined stickleback (source: cornell.edu)