Dissertation

Review and Optimization of Housing and Husbandry of Anemonefishes for Use in Research

Gendron, Matthew E

2022

Overview

As anemonefishes of the genus Amphiprion are emerging as a model organism for marine science, it is critical to have standardization in housing and husbandry protocols for research laboratories. Here, we conducted a literature review, a questionnaire survey, and two experiments regarding the housing and husbandry of anemonefishes for use in research. The literature review identified the need for standardization and optimization of multiple variables including tank volume, diet composition, and lighting type for the housing of broodstock pairs. The questionnaire survey was completed by 27 laboratories, with a 45% response rate, across 11 different countries in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. Results from the survey confirmed the need for standardization or optimization of laboratory protocols. The experimental manipulation of housing of Amphiprion percula was conducted over a 3-month period, where reproduction was monitored for 8 breeding pairs housed in large, 120-liter (30-gallon) tanks versus 7 breeding pairs housed in small, 9-liter (2-gallon) tanks. Results suggest that reproductive output was significantly reduced among breeding pairs in experimental 9-liter tanks when compared to those housed in standard 120-liter tanks. The experimental manipulation of husbandry of A. percula was conducted over a 3-month period, where reproduction was monitored across 19 breeding pairs on a high ration diet (1 mL scoop of pellets) versus 15 breeding pairs on a low ration diet (0.5 mL scoop of pellets). Results suggest that reproductive output was significantly reduced among breeding pairs on a low ration diet when compared to those on a high ration diet. Although the experimental 9-liter tanks were likely below the optimum for reproductive output, the fact that reproduction still occurred suggests that the fish will reproduce in tanks smaller than 120 liters and that 20-75 liter tanks may be the best option for housing large numbers of A. percula and similar species. The reproductive output of broodstock pairs fed a high ration diet is similar to that seen in the wild, and provision of higher quality foods (e.g., cuttlefish, shrimp, fish eggs, etc.) beyond commercial pellets may enhance survival of larvae. In conclusion, our research suggests that the anemonefish research community should be discussing the optimization and standardization of housing and husbandry or, minimally, recognize that housing and husbandry influence a wide range of traits and will influence the results and conclusions drawn from experiments.

• Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
• Subject: Aquatic sciences / Biology
• ISBN: 9798379759131