Biology of Finfish and Shellfish

4.6.1. Parental caring fishes

These fishes guard their eggs and young ones. They produce only very few numbers of eggs when compared to non-guarders and these guarders exhibit territorial behaviour and have elaborate courtship behaviour.

In general, the eggs and larval are guarded by males and protect them from the predators. The males supply plenty of oxygen to the eggs and this is done through the creation of water current by pushing the water with their fins over the eggs.

Advantages:

1. They produce plenty of oxygen.

2. It removes unfertilized and decayed eggs which may lead to disease problem.

Guarders are divided into 2 types:

1. Substratum spawners

2. Nest spawners