Influence of host anemone (Stichodactyla haddoni, saville-kent, 1893) locomotion on its resident anemonefish reproduction

Abstract

Anemonefish are found commonly in reef habitats and they select only limited anemone species to exist their life. This study describes the movement of anemone, Stichodactyla haddoni and its impact on the reproduction of anemonefishes in captivity. The anemone movement was found to be creeping and in straight-line between successive positions (based on overlay mapping). The distance traveled by the host with (60%) and without substrate (20%) varied significantly (P<0.05) at a random direction. Spawning interval of the resident fish (3–4 days) increased significantly to 8–12 days (P<0.001) because of anemone mobility. Furthermore, host locomotion affected the embryonic development of harbored fish clutches. Percentage of egg maturity (3.5–35.3%) showed an exponential decrease with increase in the distance of substrate from the clutches, from 98 to 100% in the absence of host mobility to 3.5–35% with movement of >60cm. This study concludes that the sedentary habitat would enhance the reproduction value of the harbored fish. Further, in captivity providing with a substrate, supplying regular feed and good light intensity could prevent anemone migration and its implications on the reproductive success of the anemonefish.