Sarah Houston | Writer
Grunions, although weird in name, have an interesting tradition behind them. Grunions are small, silver fish that are found along the coast of Southern California and Northern Baja California. First described in 1854, these fish have been around for centuries and were likely utilized by Native Americans in their daily lives. What’s so interesting about grunions is their mating ritual, which happens during high tide on a new or full moon. To see this ritual in action one must be patient for when it is at its peak, which is around midnight. Under the cover of darkness, the female grunions will burrow into the sand outside of the water with their tails in the sand and their heads sticking straight up. The male grunion meets the female and a few days later the eggs are laid.
This ritual done by the fish helps bring the oceanfront community together when groups gather to watch this take place. Many bring blankets and drinks, camping out just to see this. Those who find it particularly interesting are able to join a group that lets anyone watch these fish and their habits, and then they can report their findings and numbers back for scientists to use. This helps broaden our understanding of not only this species but other marine life…