Trout lay thousands of eggs as a form of "insurance" against many threats.
Key Reasons
- High mortality: Eggs and fry face predation from birds, insects, other fish, and even cannibalism.
- Environmental challenges: Floods, droughts, and temperature swings can destroy populations.
- Limited parental care: Trout eggs are left to fend for themselves.
- Short lifespan: Many eggs are needed to ensure the species continues.
Producing thousands of eggs increases the odds that some young will survive to adulthood.