There is no specific term for a pregnant fish because, technically, fish do not get pregnant in the same way mammals do.
Understanding Fish Reproduction
Unlike mammals, most fish reproduce through external fertilization. This means the female lays eggs, and the male fertilizes them outside of her body. So, instead of carrying developing young internally, a female fish carries eggs before spawning.
Why This Matters
The confusion often arises when people see a female fish with a distended abdomen and assume she is "pregnant." However, that bulge typically indicates she is carrying eggs. There is no equivalent term for a pregnant fish that is comparable to "pregnant" in mammals.
Goldfish: A Common Misconception
Many wonder about pregnant goldfish specifically. As one reference mentions, some might jokingly call a pregnant goldfish a “twit” or “twerp," but it's important to know this is incorrect. Goldfish, just like other fish, lay eggs that are fertilized outside their body. They never experience internal pregnancy.
Key Points About Goldfish Reproduction:
- Female goldfish release eggs.
- Male goldfish fertilize these eggs externally.
- There is no internal gestation period like mammals.
- There is no specific term for a goldfish carrying eggs.
Conclusion
Therefore, while a female fish carrying eggs is often mistakenly referred to as “pregnant,” the accurate term is simply a female fish carrying eggs, and there is no special name for it. The concept of pregnancy, involving internal gestation, does not apply to fish.
