The word "alevin" is often misspelled due to its unique pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈæləvɪn/. The initial "a" is pronounced as a short vowel sound, similar to the sound in "cat." The second syllable is pronounced with the "e" sound, like in "bed." The final syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, similar to the sound in "pin." This correct spelling and pronunciation is important, especially for anglers and ecologists who frequently use this term to refer to a juvenile fish.
Alevin refers to a developmental stage in the life cycle of certain fish, particularly salmonids, such as salmon and trout. It is characterized by the newly hatched fish undergoing various physiological changes and adaptations before they become fry, or juvenile fish. Alevin represents an intermediary phase between the initial hatching of fish eggs and fry stage.
During the alevin stage, the fish are still enclosed within the remains of the eggshell, with a large yolk sac attached to their bellies. They remain buried in the gravel or cobble substrate of their hatching grounds, also known as redds, in freshwater rivers and streams. The yolk sac serves as their primary source of nutrition during this stage, supplying essential nutrients required for growth and development.
Alevins often display specific physical characteristics that distinguish them from fry. They possess large, transparent heads with undeveloped jaws and eyes, and their bodies may exhibit more pronounced coloration. These features contribute to their distinct appearance and reflect their dependence on the yolk sac.
The duration of the alevin stage varies depending on the species and environmental conditions. Generally, alevins emerge from the gravel and transition into fry once their yolk sac has been fully absorbed, enabling them to hunt for food independently. At this point, they shift their diet from yolk to small aquatic invertebrates and other organisms.
Overall, alevin is a stage in the early development of fish, characterized by their attachment to a yolk sac and their habitation in the gravel of redds, ultimately leading to their emergence as fry.
The word alevin has its etymology rooted in French. It ultimately derives from the Old French term alevain which means offspring or progeny. This further traces back to the Latin word allevare, which means to rear or to nourish.