小さなフグが海底に建築する巨大な「ミステリーサークル」―どのように，なぜ，精巧な円形幾何学模様の構造物をつくるのか？―

抄録

A small pufferfish has been discovered building an elaborate geometric circular structure, known as the “mystery circle,” with a diameter of approximately 2 meters on the seabed of Amami-Oshima Island, Japan, capturing global attention. Our previous research has shown that males build the structure to attract females for mating and to provide a nest for spawning and egg care. The shape and size of the structure have been suggested to influence female mate choice. Two-dimensional computer simulations indicate that the radial patterns surrounding the nest emerge through repeated digging behavior following a simple algorithm. The structure exhibits unique hydrodynamic properties and hold potential applications in biomimetic design.