Spawn (biology)
Spawn is the eggs and sperm released or deposited, usually into water, by aquatic animals. As a verb, spawn refers to the process of releasing the eggs and sperm, also called
spawning. Most aquatic animals, apart from aquatic mammals, reproduce through a process of spawning. Spawn consists of the reproductive cells of aquatic animals, some of which will become fertilized and produce offspring. The process of spawning typically involves females releasing ova into the water, often in large quantities, while males simultaneously or sequentially release spermatozoa to fertilize the eggs. Most fish reproduce by spawning, and so do most other aquatic animals, including crustaceans such as crabs and shrimps, molluscs such as oysters and squid, echinoderms such as sea urchins and sea cucumbers, amphibians such as frogs and newts, other amphibious animals such as turtles, aquatic insects such as mayflies and mosquitoes, and corals. Fungi, such as mushrooms, are also said to "spawn" a white fibrous matter that forms the matrix from which they grow.