Search
Home page >  Information Corner >  FAQ > 

What environmental factors control fish reproductive cycles in nature?

What environmental factors control fish reproductive cycles in nature?

Fish exhibit both seasonal (daylength influenced) and daily (light/dark cycle influenced) endogenous rhythms. If they are maintained in constant environmental conditions of temperature and photoperiod, they will still reproduce at one year intervals, indicating that they have an endogenous annual clock that tells them when to reproduce. However, this clock can be largely influenced by changes in temperature, habitat conditions, social interaction and population density, as well as by certain pollutants.

Writing: Miranda Maybank
Creation date: 17 January 2008
Update: 17 January 2008