Programs

Fishy Business: Romance, Rivalry, and Reproduction Underwater

Sneaky hookups, dramatic courtship, gender-bending transformations, and even pregnant dads; fish reproduction is far stranger (and more fascinating) than most people realize. Join us for a fun and slightly irreverent dive into the incredible ways fish find mates, compete, and ensure the next generation survives. From mass spawning events and territorial nest builders to parasitic deep-sea partnerships, we'll explore how evolution has shaped some of nature's most creative solutions to life underwater.

Along the way, we'll also talk about what it means to be a naturalist and how careful observation whether on a riverbank, along the coast, or at your favorite fishing spot can reveal remarkable fish behaviors happening right in front of you. Understanding how fish live and reproduce helps us better appreciate and protect the aquatic ecosystems we all depend on.

Lisa Landry is a former science educator and marine biologist with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. She hold a Master of Science degree, with graduate research focused on fish populations in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin and Mississippi River.