Yes, baby fish (fish larvae) generally have eyes.
While the appearance and function of a baby fish's eyes can vary depending on the species and stage of development, they typically possess eyes from the time they hatch. These eyes may not be fully developed or located in the same position as adult fish eyes in some cases (as seen in flounders, as the provided reference mentions), but they are present and functional to some degree.
For example, as the baby flounder grows, its eyes migrate to one side of its head. But initially, when the flounder hatches, its eyes are on either side of its head like most other fish.
The eyes are crucial for:
- Detecting light: This helps them orient themselves in the water.
- Finding food: Many fish larvae are visual predators and rely on their eyesight to locate prey.
- Avoiding predators: Eyes help them see potential threats and escape.
Therefore, while the development and positioning of eyes can change as a fish matures, the presence of eyes in baby fish is generally the norm.
