Pelagic spawning is the theme of the “Fish of the Year” 2026 campaign

On the occasion of International Marine Fish Day, celebrated today, 6 August 2026, Aquarium Pula is joining the international “Fish of the Year” initiative as a member of one of its organizers, the European Union of Aquarium Curators (EUAC).

The Marine Teleost Taxon Advisory Group (Marine Teleost TAG), operating within EUAC, launches this initiative each year in cooperation with the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).

This year’s “Fish of the Year” initiative is dedicated to one of the most widespread reproductive strategies in the marine environment – pelagic spawning. This mode of reproduction is used by approximately 75% of all marine teleost fish. Males and females simultaneously release sperm and eggs directly into the water column, where fertilization takes place externally. The fertilized eggs then drift freely in the sea, carried by ocean currents, until the larvae hatch.

To raise public awareness of the importance of pelagic spawning, fish eggs and their role in marine ecosystems, the partners involved in the initiative are preparing educational materials and various activities for visitors.

This year’s initiative is linked to the Eggspedition.org project, launched by Rotterdam Zoo with the aim of collecting observations of fish eggs from divers, fishermen, aquarists and scientists around the world. Since the appearance of the eggs of most fish species is still unknown, identifying and documenting them contributes to a better understanding of fish reproduction and the protection of their habitats, thereby supporting the conservation of marine ecosystems.