For how many weeks do both parents fiercely guard the substantial egg mass of the wolf eel before hatching occurs?
Answer
Approximately 13 to 16 weeks.
Wolf eels invest heavily in their reproductive cycle, characterized by intensive, shared parental care. After the female lays the substantial egg mass inside their shared den and shapes it into a sphere, the male wraps around her for added security. Both parents guard the clutch continuously for an extended period, which lasts approximately 13 to 16 weeks, equivalent to 91 to 112 days, until the eggs successfully hatch. During this entire incubation period, only one parent ventures out to forage at a time, ensuring the clutch receives constant protection.
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