ABSTRACT: This study on the Red Sea fish Amphiprion bicinctus was aimed at developing a method of producing large numbers of juveniles for reintroduction into their symbiotic sea anemones in natural habitats. By establishing reproductive pairs in captivity and providing them with a diet of rotifers and various stages of nauplius and adult Artemia salina, reproduction was achieved at frequencies of 2 to 3 times per month per pair, resulting in large numbers of larvae. Juveniles attaining 16 to 28 mm TL were introduced into sea anenomes on the coral reefs at Eilat, Israel, at depths of 10 to 25 m. Despite heavy losses, numerous juveniles successfully acclimated and survived in their new habitat, many in anenomes previously occupied by adult fish. Three years of follow-up revealed that 8 pairs of such reintroduced fish had grown into maturity and become reproductive. It would appear that this method of production in captivity followed by resettlement in impoverished natural habitats may be effective for community rehabilitation.

KEY WORDS: Amphiprion · Propagation · Reintroduction in nature

Published in MEPS Vol. 151 (1997) on May 22
ISSN: 0171-8630. Copyright © Inter-Research, Oldendorf/Luhe, 1997