Sunday 5 August 2018

Ring of Sand


When I wonder "What it's all about" I consider the clues. The following, for example: 


Here is an elaborate ring of sand. It reminds of a sunflower. 

If you look carefully you may see the artist in the centre of the picture.


If you cannot make him out look below, for that is he.





With his ring of sand he hopes to attract a female. When she arrives they embrace in the centre of the ring and she will lay her eggs and leave. 

For his part, he will smooth the sand in the centre of the ring. And the currents will take care of the rest. 


Nothing will remain of the 'sunflower' to indicate what has passed here.





13 comments:

  1. These innocent little fish contain a toxin stronger than cyanide that could kill 30 humans. Interesting juxtaposition that here we are admiring their love circles and wondering at their skills in the sand, and the size of fish brains, or at least I was, and then on the other hand they could wipe us all out. One day the world may all turn inside out.

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    1. Isn't nature simply wonderful? There are so many odd things going on and this is just one of them. As Maria says below, the Japanese puffer fish is on the menu!

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    2. Interestingly the poison doesn't poison other fish, only humans.

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    3. And we can't blame the Russians.

      The Japanese dish is called Fugu. Only a certain species of yellow frog is more poisonous.

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  2. Rachel's comment above is interesting. Before I read it I was thinking 'aren't human men boring in their courtship routine?' now I think I may be revising my opinion.

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    1. Not in the picture but the fish also makes a little arrangement of shells such as the birds of paradise do with stones, flowers and often other little treasures.

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  3. This poisonous fish is on the menu in China! The ring in the sand is pretty though.
    Greetings Maria x

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  4. Wonder if they have heard of the Missionary position? Love the photos!

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    1. Hi Dave, I took the photos off the tv!

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  5. So the inspiration for the fish's sand mandalas is procreation. OK. Glad the rest of us get to see it safely away from the toxins.

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    1. Thanks Harry and welcome. Rachel touches on an important point. The brain size. Take the tiny brain of a dragonfly for example which can operate four wings simultaneously and make speedy and complicated calculations - the insect's maneuverability and take off and landing skills are second to none. It's almost miraculous ;-)

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