Their displays are vibrant and energetic. Spring also brings the risks and annoyances that come from the bites and stings of countless arthropods that share the island, like this lone star tick. Soon the mosquitoes and biting flies will appear. Serious and melodious songs of birds fill the air in spring. When the eggs are examined under a microscope, we see that they already contain developing embryos forming atop a generous yolk supply.
Oil droplets are easily visible within.
A fresh life enters its watery new world as the young mummichog struggles to free itself from the egg. At this stage the larva is fully competent and ready to feed.