Question

Which fish keeps the fertilized eggs guarded in its mouth?
A. Tilapia
B. Rohu
C. Mirgal
D. Platty

Answer 1

Hint: In fish, fertilization of eggs can be external or internal. In many species of fish, the fins have been modified to allow internal fertilization. Likewise, embryonic development can be external or internal, although some species exhibit variations between the two at different stages of embryonic development. Thierry Lodé described reproductive strategies in terms of zygote development and parental correlation.

Complete answer:
Option A Tilapia: The female tilapia lays her eggs in pits or nests and after being fertilized by the male, the female collects the eggs in her mouth buccal cavity to hold them until they hatch. Other tilapia species exhibit different mouth brooding behaviors. Sarotherodon galilaeus are biparental, with both parents brooding and protecting the newly hatched fish. Since Tilapia fish keeps its fertilized eggs guarded by its mouth.
Option A is the correct answer.
Option B Rohu: Induced breeding is done in Rohu fish since breeding does not occur in lentic conditions, and is successfully bred under captive conditions. Demersal, round, transparent with a reddish tinge are the features of fertilized eggs of Rohu. They do not guard fertilized eggs in its mouth.
Hence option B is not correct.
Option C Mirgal: The mrigal carp, also known as the white carp, is a species of ray-finned fish in the carp family. Originally coming from the streams and rivers of India, the only surviving wild population is in the Cauvery River, resulting in it being classified as vulnerable by the IUCN. Since they do not keep the fertilized egg guarded in its mouth.
So, option C is not correct.
Option D Platty: Platy is the common name for freshwater fish of the genus Xiphophorus that do not have a "sword" at the bottom of their tail. Both species are live fish, similar to other fish in the Poeciliidae family, such as guppies and mollies. Since they do not guard fertilized eggs in its mouth.
So, option D is not correct.

Therefore, Option A Tilapia is the correct answer

Note:
Tilapia are primarily freshwater fish that live in streams, ponds, rivers and terrariums, less often in brackish water. Historically, they have been of great importance in artisanal fisheries in Africa and are increasingly important in aquaculture and aquaponics. Tilapia can become a problematic invasive species in new warm water habitats like Australia, whether it is intentionally introduced or not.