Studies on Growth and Development of Hatchery Produced Juveniles of Amphiprion Clarkii (Bennett, 1830)

Abstract

Growth and development of Clark's anemone fish, Amphiprion clarkii from hatchlings to about 130th day old juveniles was described from captive - spawned and hatchery - reared specimens. On the 1st day of hatching the body of the larvae was transparent and all the fins were fused together to form a single fin fold. The hatchlings measured 4.0-4.3mm in standard length.  On the 10th day all the fins were visible and body colouration had begun to develop, the larvae then measured 6.3-6.5mm in standard length. The banding began to appear from the 15- 17th day and on the 25th day the head and middle band were clearly visible. On the 30th day the caudal band was clearly visible, adult pigmentation had begun to appear from the 30th day onwards, the larva then measured 9.5-10.9 mm in standard length. On the 100th day the larvae exhibited bright yellow pigmentation and had developed the characteristic black colouration of the adult from the 130th day onwards. On the 130th day the larvae measured about 38 mm in standard length.