An egg without a shell, laid in water by fishes and amphibians. Anamniotic eggs are usually laid in large numbers and are fertilized externally by a male, though some species of fish and amphibians have eggs that are fertilized and developed internally. Anamniotic eggs are typically (mostly) transparent, leaving the zygote (and subsequent developing embryo) visible to the viewer.

Fish eggs eaten as food are referred to as roe. Sturgeon roe in particular is considered a expensive delicacy and is known as caviar.

See also:

• egg - standard ("amniotic") eggs with shells.
• spawning - a form of oviposition describing the act of laying unfertilized anamniotic eggs in water; also refers to the release of sperm by male aquatic animals