Quick Scoop: What is a fry animal?

A **fry** is a **young fish** , usually one that has just moved past the larval stage and is starting to feed on its own. The word can also refer to the young of a few other animals, like frogs or oysters, but in everyday use it most often means a baby fish.

Plain meaning

• Fish context: a fry is a juvenile fish that is small and still developing fins, scales, and adult-like features.

• Other animals: some dictionaries also use fry for the young of certain other animals, especially frogs and oysters.

• Not the cooking word: “fry” can also mean to cook in hot oil, but that is a different meaning.

Easy example

If a fish has babies, the tiny babies are called **fry** before they grow into larger juveniles and adults.

Bottom line

So, if someone asks “what is a fry animal,” the simplest answer is: **a fry is a baby fish, and sometimes the term is used for the young of a few other animals too.**

TL;DR: Fry = a young fish, usually just after the larval stage.

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