Bridal buttons

In some fish (cyprinids in particular), small pimples that appear on the heads of males, mainly on the muzzle, during the breeding period.

Nuptial pimples are secondary sexual characteristics that appear in some fish when they are in breeding. They are usually found on the head or back of the fish and can be very visible. They are often more developed in males than in females and are used to attract sexual partners and to show their dominance to other fish.

Nuptial pimples can take many different shapes and sizes depending on the species of fish. In some fish, they can be simple protuberances or bone growths that develop on the head or back. In others, they can be real horny or plumeer outgrowths that can reach considerable sizes.

Nuptial pimples are generally more developed in males than in females, although certain species of female fish can also have them. In some cases, females may even have more developed nuptial pimples than males.

Nuptial pimples play an important role in reproducing fish. In species that reproduce by external fertilization, males often use their bridal pimples to attract females and show their dominance to other males. In species that reproduce by internal fertilization, males can use their bridal pimples to catch and keep females during copulation.

It is important to note that bridal buttons are not a reliable indicator of the health or quality of a fish. They are only present during the breeding period and can disappear or regress when the fish is not during the breeding period. In addition, some fish species can have bridal pimples all year round, even when they are not in breeding.

In summary, the nuptial buttons are secondary sexual characteristics that appear in certain fish when they are during breeding. They are used to attract sexual partners and show their dominance to other fish. Although they can be very visible, they are not a reliable indicator of the health or the quality of a fish and can disappear or regress when the fish is not during the reproduction.