Coral reef fish breeding: the secrets of each species

Abstract

Abstract In recent years, the interest in the trade of tropical fish has increased significantly, with direct negative repercussions on coral reefs and marine ecosystems. The reproduction and rearing of some of the species most commonly used in the aquarium trade actually represent an economical and ecological tool for broadening development. The present study illustrates the first case ever of a small Indo-Pacific Pomacentridae, Chrysiptera parasema , successfully reared in captivity. Eggs were obtained from spawners reared in 80-l tanks under controlled conditions. Spawning began after 3 months: the couples were formed, and eggs were laid after a brief courtship. The male normally guarded the nest and chased away the female if she entered it. The eggs, about 300 in number, are demersal and elongate ovoidal in shape, measuring approximately 1.2–1.5 mm and coming with a large oil globule. Hatching took place at 28 °C during the first 2 h of darkness, over a total time period of 96 h. A proper diet of enriched PUFA as a first food, combined with a photoperiod of 24L/0D, proved essential for survival of the C. parasema larvae. These results are very promising in terms of both future captive production of ornamental fish and efforts to minimize environmental impact.