The answer is yes, fish eggs normally sink.
While it's true that many fish eggs do sink to the bottom, this isn't the end of their story. The reference clearly states that fish eggs, "would normally sink to the bottom". This is because many fish eggs are denser than water.
Here's a breakdown of why and how they behave:
- Initial Sinking: As stated, a majority of fish eggs are heavier than water and, therefore, will initially sink.
- Turbulence and Currents: The same reference also explains how even the slightest currents and water turbulence, whether from waves or convection, will constantly lift the eggs that would normally sink to the bottom.
- This means they are suspended above the bottom, not resting on it.
- River Drift: In rivers, fish eggs typically drift downstream, kept in suspension above the riverbed by the flow of water.
Here’s a table summarizing the main points:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Initial Behavior | Fish eggs generally sink due to being denser than water. |
| Effect of Currents | Turbulence and currents keep the eggs suspended, preventing them from settling on the bottom. |
| River Behavior | In rivers, eggs float along above the riverbed with the flow. |
Therefore, while fish eggs have a natural tendency to sink, environmental factors play a crucial role in how they are distributed and where they eventually end up during their development.
