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A star is born again: Methods for larval rearing of an emerging model organism, the False clownfish Amphiprion ocellaris
Author(s) -
Roux Natacha,
Logeux Valentin,
Trouillard Nancy,
Pillot Rémi,
Magré Kévin,
Salis Pauline,
Lecchini David,
Besseau Laurence,
Laudet Vincent,
Romans Pascal
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of experimental zoology part b: molecular and developmental evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1552-5015
pISSN - 1552-5007
DOI - 10.1002/jez.b.23028
Subject(s) - biology , larva , coral reef , ecology , predation , model organism , organism , zoology , captivity , fish <actinopterygii> , pomacentridae , coral reef fish , fishery , paleontology , biochemistry , gene
As interest increases in ecological, evolutionary, and developmental biology (Eco‐Evo‐Devo), wild species are increasingly used as experimental models. However, we are still lacking a suitable model for marine fish species, as well as coral reef fishes that can be reared at laboratory scales. Extensive knowledge of the life cycle of anemonefishes, and the peculiarities of their biology, make them relevant marine fish models for developmental biology, ecology, and evolutionary sciences. Here, we present standard methods to maintain breeding pairs of the anemonefish Amphiprion ocellaris in captivity, obtain regular good quality spawning, and protocols to ensure larval survival throughout rearing. We provide a detailed description of the anemonefish husbandry system and life prey culturing protocols. Finally, a “low‐volume” rearing protocol useful for the pharmacological treatment of larvae is presented. Such methods are important as strict requirements for large volumes in rearing tanks often inhibit continuous treatments with expensive or rare compounds.