Biology of Finfish and Shellfish (2+1)

4.8.2. General characteristics of eggs

S.No.	Pelagic eggs	Demersal eggs
1.	Eggs are small in size	Eggs are bigger in size
2.	Eggs laid singly	Eggs are laid in mass
3.	contain small yolk content	contain more yolk content
4.	Prolonged developmental period	Developmental period is short
5.	Egg membrane is generally thin and smooth	Egg membrane is generally thick (with hard coverings)
6.	Fecundity is more	Fecundity is less
7.	No parental care	Mostly with parental care
8.	The eggs are transparent e.g. Sardina pilchardus Solea solea Trachurus trachurus Gadus morhua Pleuronectes platessa	The eggs are opaque e.g. Anguilla sp. Synodus indicus Clupea harengus