Improvement of reproductive performance of clown anemonefish, Amphirion ocellaris (Cuvier, 1830), with vitamin C

Abstract

An enhancement in broodstock nutrition can significantly influence the reproductive success of fish species. This study investigated the impact of vitamin C supplementation in broodfish diets on the reproductive performance, egg quality, and larvae parameters of clown anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris). Five diet treatments with varying levels of vitamin C in form of L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (0.0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg kg-1 diet) were implemented over a 12-month period. Results indicated positive effects of vitamin C supplementation on fecundity, egg quality, hatching rate, larvae survival, and malformation rate (p<0.05). The treatment with 600 mg kg-1 diet exhibited the highest hatching rate (94.61%), lowest egg loss rate (12.86%), and lowest malformation rate (0.519%). Egg diameter and larval size did not significantly differ among treatments (p>0.05). Although vitamin C supplementation reduced re-maturation time and increased spawning frequency, the differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Overall, a dietary supplementation of 600 mg kg-1 vitamin C is recommended to improve reproductive performance in clownfish broodstock.