In the context of fishery and aquaculture, fry refers to a specific developmental stage of young fish.
Defining Fry
Based on the life cycle of a fish, the term fry is used for young fish after they have absorbed their yolk sac. This is a critical transition point.
According to the reference:
- When the yolk sac is fully absorbed, the young fish are called fry.
- Fry are ready to start eating on their own.
This stage marks the point where the young fish must actively seek and consume external food sources for survival and continued growth.
Characteristics and Life Stage
The fry stage is a significant step in a fish's development. Prior to becoming fry, young fish are often referred to as larvae and rely on the nutrients stored in their yolk sac. Once this internal food source is depleted, they transition to the fry stage.
Key characteristics often associated with fry include:
- Absorption of the yolk sac.
- Beginning to swim actively.
- Initiation of feeding on external food (plankton, small invertebrates, or formulated feed in aquaculture).
- Undergoing rapid growth and further morphological development.
As the reference states, "Fry undergo several more developmental stages, which vary by species, as they mature into adults." These subsequent stages may have different names depending on the species, such as fingerlings (common for salmonids) or juveniles. The fry stage represents an early, vulnerable period where survival rates are often low in the wild due to predation and environmental factors.
Understanding the fry stage is crucial in fish farming and conservation efforts, as it informs strategies for feeding, protection, and habitat management to ensure the young fish survive and thrive.
