Changes

In fish, as with all higher animals, hormones play a critical role in the reproductive process. Hormones are chemical messengers released into the blood by specific tissues, such as the pituitary gland. The hormones travel through the bloodstream to other tissues, which respond in a variety of ways. One response is to release another hormone, which elicits a response in yet another tissue. The primary tissues involved in this hormonal cascade are the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads.

In fish, as with all higher animals, hormones play a critical role in the reproductive process. Hormones are chemical messengers released into the blood by specific tissues, such as the pituitary gland. The hormones travel through the bloodstream to other tissues, which respond in a variety of ways. One response is to release another hormone, which elicits a response in yet another tissue. The primary tissues involved in this hormonal cascade are the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads.

* Fish have evolved to reproduce under environmental conditions that are favorable to the survival of the young.  

* Reproduction occurs under environmental conditions that are favorable to the survival of the young.  

* Long before spawning, seasonal cues begin the process of maturation.  

* Long before spawning, seasonal cues begin the process of maturation.  

** In many fish, this can take up to a year.

** In many fish, this can take up to a year.