During what process do fish reproduce by releasing eggs in water?

Fish reproduce through the process of spawning, which involves the release of eggs in water. During spawning, the female fish releases her eggs into the surrounding environment, and these eggs typically float and drift in the water. This method of reproduction is common among many fish species, enabling them to maximize the number of eggs produced and increasing the likelihood of fertilization.

Spawning allows the male fish to fertilize the eggs externally, as he releases sperm into the water near the eggs. This method is advantageous in aquatic environments, where forces like currents can help disperse the eggs and increase the chances of survival for the young fish, known as fry, once they hatch.

Other processes like fertilization refer specifically to the union of sperm and egg, which can occur in various contexts, but does not specifically denote the behavior of laying eggs. Gestation pertains to the period of development for embryos inside the mother, typically associated with live-bearing species, while incubation refers to the period where eggs are maintained in a suitable environment (often prior to hatching), which does not capture the act of releasing eggs into the water itself. Thus, spawning is the precise term that describes this reproductive strategy for fish.