Breeding and Hybridization of Clownfish Amphiprion ephippium × Amphiprion melanopus in Captivity

Development of broodstock, spawning, and early rearing the hybrid clownfish, Amphiprion ephippium (♂) × melanopus (♀), was studied under captive conditions. The fishes were successfully paired after being together for over a year. Spawning occurred between 0700 to 1000 hours every 3 weeks. More than 200 eggs spawned each time, with an egg size 1.5 ± 0.5mm. Fertilized turned from bright orange black silvery before hatching incubated 7–9 days. Out 20 batches spawned, 5 hatched, only 2 surviving adulthood. average survival rate all hatched 21.16%. Newborn larvae measured about 3–4 mm long, transparent fins that fused, forming single fin fold. Larvae underwent metamorphosis on day 10 post where started separate, form, develop body colorations. Two clear thick bands observed (head middle) as 14-day 90-day post-hatched, banding reached its peak. middle band then began fading juveniles grew. By 130-day became adults unique coloration featuring headband blotch, reaching maximum 34 mm. clownfish earlier marketable much sooner compared parent species, making it suitable candidate ornamental fish culture. It is first documentation production A. both in Malaysia worldwide.