In this article on our site we are going to explain how fish are born The word "fish" encompasses a huge number of species. This results in more than one way of reproducing and being born. We will find oviparous fish, which are those that reproduce by laying eggs. Others, on the contrary, will be ovoviviparous or viviparous, capable of incubating the eggs inside and, we could say, giving birth to their fry.
Next, we will see a few examples and we will explain everything about the reproduction of fish, as well as their diet and other data of interest.
How do fish reproduce?
Fish reproduction is not the same for all species and this creates confusion, so it is not strange to wonder if the fish lay eggs or give birth. The truth is that both options are valid.
Reproduction of oviparous fish
Oviparous fish are those that reproduce by laying a large number of eggs in the middle Fertilization of the eggs takes place outside of the female body. This is a very common way to explain how aquarium fish reproduce. Carp are an example of this type of reproduction. The eggs, depending on the species, float, are deposited in nests, stay on the bottom, stick to rocks or algae or are carried by the fish themselves in their mouths or other parts of their bodies.
Reproduction of ovoviparous fish
In the case of ovoviparous fish, the eggs are not expelled to the outside, but they stay inside the body of the fishFertilization is therefore internal. Inside it is where the development of the young takes place, which are expelled when they have grown enough.
Reproduction of viviparous fish
There is still a third form of reproduction in which a placental-like structure is created inside the female fishThese animals would be viviparous or placental ovoviviparous. Among them, some species of sharks stand out. To better develop this point, in the next section, we will see examples of how fish are born.
For more information, you can consult this other article on our site on "How do fish reproduce?"
Examples of how fish are born
In general, fish can hatch from an egg or from inside the body of female fish. We cannot give a rule about how the most common cold water or hot water fish will be born in an aquarium, since the mechanism of reproduction and birth depends on the species. Therefore, before setting up an aquarium or introducing new fish to the one we already have, it is essential that we inform ourselves about the characteristics of each species chosen to ensure that that we offer the appropriate living conditions for your well-being. Let's see some examples:
- How zebrafish are born: Zebrafish reproduction is one of the most curious. To reproduce, zebrafish carry out a mating ritual that ends with the females laying a considerable number of eggs at the bottom of the fish tank. There they are fertilized by the male. This process must be done in a separate tank because the adult fish usually devour the eggs and fry.
- How Betta Fish Are Born: In this species, the males build the nests. Fertilization is internal and, after it, the female expels the eggs, which are going to be placed by the male in the nest, arranged vertically. As soon as the fry begin to swim on their own, the male must be separated because he could devour them. In this way, if you have two betta fish and you want them to reproduce, we recommend you also read this other article on "The breeding of betta fish".
- How goldfish are born: This species is another one that can devour its eggs or young. They are oviparous fish in which the male woos the female until she expels a large number of eggs, which are fertilized outside and hatch in 2-3 days
- How guppies are born: in this case, we will be dealing with an ovoviviparous fish. The male will chase the female until he manages to introduce her sperm into the female's body. She is she is able to store it. After fertilization, gestation lasts for about a month. The female at this time visibly gains weight, but the definitive proof is the observable dark spot on her abdomen. She receives the name of gravid point. The female must be separated so that no other fish can eat the young, which will be very numerous. As soon as they are born, they must also be separated from the mother, who could also ingest them.
If you want to learn more about how fish are born, you can read this other article on our site about "Embryonic development of fish".
What do fish eat?
Once we know how the fish that we keep in our aquarium are born, we cannot forget to pay attention to their diet. It is as problematic that we give them little food as that we overfeed them. In addition to a clean environment, with water at the right temperature and the necessary accessories, it is essential that we worry about the food we provide them, because newborn fish will not need the same as adults. Also keep in mind that Nutritional requirements may vary depending on the life stage of the fish.
Feeding during the fish breeding season
For example, the breeding season is a critical time when it is often recommended to offer live food. Contacting experts to guide us on the care of the species with which we live is basic.
What baby fish eat
The hatchlings can initially feed on the egg itself or on organisms present in the water, but later they have to go on to consume a special food for the hatching phase. fry Some species can also be offered small fragments of boiled egg yolk or larvae.
Adult fish food
As for adults, for sale we can find a variety of menus already specifically formulated to adapt to the different species. We will find them of two types:
- Live food: such as larvae, shrimp or earthworms.
- Dry Foods: These are offered in granules, flakes, flakes, or tablets.
Some fish can also eat worms, meat (preferably white), fish, molluscs, vegetables such as lettuce or spinach, etc. We insist on the importance of informing ourselves about the feeding of our fish, since some may be carnivorous, but there will also be herbivores and omnivores.
In case your fish have feeding problems, in addition to consulting a professional, we advise you to read this other article on our site on "Why don't my fish eat?".
