A clip from the David Attenborough-narrated BBC Earth/PBS series Big Pacific showcases the remarkable talent of the male white-spotted puffer fish who creates complex and beautiful underwaater sand mandalas in an earnest attempt to attract a mate. If he succeeds, the mandala then becomes a nest for future eggs.
This three-inch long pufferfish is a male who is trying to attract a mate. He constantly shovels sand into a circle with intricate details. Then he decorates the pattern with shells. If a female approves, they will mate, and the circle will become a nest for the developing eggs.
This video was part of a longer animal compilation.
