No, Nemo's mom did not eat all the eggs. Instead, she and nearly all of the eggs were tragically eaten by a barracuda.
The opening of the film depicts a devastating event where Marlin, Nemo's father, loses his wife, Coral, and almost their entire clutch of eggs to a sudden barracuda attack. This predator devoured the offspring, leaving only a single egg – which would eventually hatch into Nemo – and Marlin himself as survivors.
The Tragic Event
The fate of Nemo's family is a pivotal and somber moment that sets the stage for the entire story. It is crucial to understanding Marlin's overprotective nature towards Nemo.
- Peaceful Beginning: Marlin and Coral, Nemo's parents, had established their home in a sea anemone and had laid a large number of eggs, anticipating their new family.
- Sudden Attack: Their serene life was abruptly shattered by the arrival of a predatory barracuda.
- Coral's Sacrifice: Nemo's mother, Coral, bravely attempted to defend her family but was tragically killed by the barracuda during the attack.
- Eggs Devoured: The overwhelming majority of the clownfish eggs were consumed by the barracuda, leaving a trail of profound loss.
- Nemo's Survival: Miraculously, one sole egg survived the horrific incident, which later hatched to become Nemo, the film's titular character.
This traumatic experience for Marlin explains his deep-seated fears and his subsequent journey to find Nemo, driven by the profound grief and the desire to protect his only surviving child.
