A review of the reproduction and rearing of clownfish, Amphiprion clarkii, in captivity
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Clownfishes are very popular among ornamental fish keepers due to their aesthetic appeal and easy adaptability to captive conditions. The captive breeding of these fish not only meets the market demand but also prevents the destruction of their natural habitats during fishing. In Iran, Amphiprion clarkii has been successfully bred and reared in the Bandar Lengeh mollusks research center. The broodfish were fed twice a day in the morning and the afternoon at 5% of body weight. The pot was used as a shelter for broodfish spawning in the aquarium. One indication of impending spawning was the male and female broodfish cleaning inside the shelter. In this species, the number of eggs per spawning was 300-400. The eggs were sticky and protected by their parents during the incubation period. At 28 ◦C, the eggs were hatched after six days. During the first two weeks after hatching, rotifer and Artemia nauplii were exclusively utilized to feed the larvae. The weaning process started 15 days after hatching (DAH), and on 25 DAH, all the larvae completely shifted to the microparticulate diet. To improve the color of farmed fishes, the formulated feed prepared for the larvae and juveniles was supplemented with 100 ppm and 200 ppm astaxanthin, respectively. During 2-4 months, the juveniles reached the size of 3-4 cm and were ready to be sold in the market. The survival rate during this period was more than 50%.
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