The Origin of the Term “Fry” for Baby Fish

The word “fry” is often used to describe baby fish.

With its charm and innocence, this term paints an endearing picture of small fish darting through sunlit waters.

But where did this word come from? The history of “fry” reveals some delightful surprises.

A Look Back at the Evolution of “Fry”

In Old French, the root word “frier” meant “to rub or spawn,” referring to fish releasing eggs.

This evolved into the Anglo-French noun “fry,” specifically meaning newborn fish.

By the 1300s, this use of “fry” entered Middle English and stuck.

Beyond the Literal Meaning

Relating “fry” back to spawning shows how life renews itself through offspring. It also captures the fragility and dependence of new life.

This reflects the widespread belief that the young should be nurtured.

Similar fry-related terms in other languages also show our shared ties with nature.

Common Usage of “Fry” Among Fishkeepers Today

In the aquarium hobby today, “fry” remains the most widely used term for young fish.

It applies to species that lay eggs and those that give live birth.

Freshwater fish like guppies, mollies, platys, and bettas produce “fry,” as do popular saltwater species such as clownfish, tangs, and angelfish.

While juvenile fish under 1-2 months old are typically referred to as fry, some other common terms include:

• Larvae – The earliest stage after hatching when baby fish differ markedly from adults. Applies especially to species like seahorses and eels.
• Spawn – General term for the mass of eggs and sperm released by fish when breeding.
• Fingerling – A young freshwater fish around 4-12 months old that has reached 1-6 inches in length and is often used for juvenile trout, bass, and catfish.
• Smolt – A young salmon or trout that has transitioned from freshwater to saltwater.
• Parr – Juvenile trout or salmon actively feeding in freshwater before becoming smolts.

Aquarium literature aimed at hobbyists almost universally relies on “fry” to educate about breeding, rearing, and caring for the babies of all popular aquarium fish species.

From livebearing guppies to egg-laying clownfish, modern fishkeeping relies heavily on the centuries-old term “fry” to describe one of the most exciting aspects of the hobby – bringing new baby fish successfully from eggs or birth to adulthood.