La fish reproduction It is a fascinating process that varies according to the species and the environment in which they live. There are various reproductive strategies that allow these animals to perpetuate their species and ensure the survival of their offspring. In this article we will discuss in detail the different forms of reproduction in fish, placing special emphasis on the oviparous fish, in addition to mentioning viviparous and ovoviviparous animals.
Types of reproduction in fish
Fish can reproduce in a number of ways depending on how the embryos develop. The main categories are:
- Oviparous fish: deposit eggs in the water for external fertilization.
- Viviparous fish: the hatchlings They develop inside the mother's body and are born fully formed.
- Ovoviviparous fish: eggs They are retained within the mother's body until they hatch.
- Hermaphroditic fish: They have reproductive organs of both sexes and can change gender according to the terms environmental
- Parthenogenetic fishes: They reproduce without the need for fertilization from the male.
Reproduction of oviparous fish
Most species de peces They reproduce in a way oviparous, meaning that females lay eggs that are fertilized externally by the male. This reproductive strategy is common in freshwater and many marine species.
external fertilization
Oviparous fish perform the external fertilization, that is, the female deposits the eggs and the male releases his sperm into the water to fertilize them. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as:
- Leaving the eggs floating in the water.
- Attaching them to rocks or aquatic plants.
- Burying them in the seabed substrate or sand.
Protection of eggs
In many cases, fish do not take care of the eggs after laying eggs, leaving them at the mercy of the environment and predators. However, some species have protective strategies, such as:
- Construction of bubble nests, characteristic of betta fish.
- The use of marbles or nets in aquariums to prevent the eggs be devoured.
- Mouth brooding, where the eggs They are protected in the parent's mouth until they hatch.
Reproduction of viviparous fish
Viviparous fish, such as guppies and mollys, present a form of reproduction similar to that of mammals. Fertilization occurs inside the mother's body, where the embryos develop until the moment of birth.
The advantages of this system include a higher survival rate for the hatchlings, since they are born with a size and development suitable to defend themselves from predators.
Reproduction of ovoviviparous fish
Ovoviviparous fish combine characteristics of both oviparous and viviparous fish. In this case, the eggs They are retained inside the mother's body until they hatch just before birth. Fish that use this method include species such as the great white shark and the manta ray.
Hermaphroditism in fish
Some species de pecesand serrano fish, have the ability to change sex throughout their life. There are two main types of hermaphroditism in fish:
- Simultaneous hermaphroditism: Fish have both male and female organs active at the same time.
- Sequential hermaphroditism: The fish begins life as a male and then becomes female (proterandric) or vice versa (proterogynous).
Reproductive migration in fish
Some species de peces They undertake long migrations to reproduce. An emblematic case is that of the salmon, which is born in fresh water, migrates to the sea and returns to rivers to spawn. Another example is the European eel, which migrates from rivers to the Sargasso Sea for reproduction.
Understanding fish reproduction is crucial for both home aquarium keeping and species conservation in the wild. Each type of reproduction offers and advantages y challenges unique for the survival of their offspring. From external fertilization in oviparous organisms to viviparity in some species, fish have developed a wide variety of strategies to ensure their perpetuity in aquatic ecosystems.