Nesting Behaviour of Harpagifer bispinis in Arthur Harbour, Antarctic Peninsula

Observations of the nesting behaviour of the plunder fish, Harpagifer bispinis, from laboratory tanks at Palmer Station and from diving in Arthur Harbour, Anvers Island, Antarctic Peninsula, are the first to be recorded for any antarctic fish. Females of this species construct a nest and, unless removed, guard it throughout the four month incubation period. Guards clean the eggs and protect them from predators and parasites. If a guarding female is removed from a nest, another fish assumes guard responsibilities. This species exhibits traits which are common in other antarctic forms. The sequence of reproductive events affords adults, eggs and fry a high degree of protection and allows each stage to use available resources fully.