Spawning

: This article is about biological spawning. For other meanings of the word spawn, see Spawn (disambiguation).

Spawning is the production or depositing of eggs in large numbers by Aquatic animals.

Types of Egg-Layers

Egg Scatters
Next Builders
Egg Hangers
MouthBreeders
Egg Buriers

Spawn Cycle

Egg

An egg sac or collection can be called a 'redd' as in 'salmon redd' for the eggs attached to the stream bottom.

Alevin

A newly-hatched fish in the larval stage, one which has not yet emerged from the nesting area. Alevins will have a noticeable yolk sac, and need this yolk sac while their digestive systems are developing. At this stage, the fish are not prepared to hunt live prey, and are completely dependent on the yolk sacs.

Fry

A fry is a recently-hatched fish, but one which has fully absorbed its yolk sac and can now hunt and consume live food.

Parr

A parr is a juvenile fish, one preparing to leave the fresh waters of its home.

Smolt

A smolt is a juvenile fish. This is the stage where Salmonid grow scales and begin their trek to their salt water environment.

Grilse

A young fish which is returning to its spawning grounds at a very young age.