Embryonic and larval developmental stages of sebae clownfish <i>Amphiprion sebae</i> (Bleeker 1853) in captive condition

Abstract

Aim of the present study was to demonstrate the embryonic developmental stages of five pairs of <i>A. sebae </i> from fertilization to post hatching. Capsule shaped fertilized eggs were bright orange to light yellow in colour, its size ranged between 1.7 and 2.6 mm in length and 0.8 to 1.27 mm in width. Spawning was observed throughout year, with the reproductive cycle 12 to 17 days intervals and egg numbers varied from 600 to 1,000. Developmental stages started from 4 cell division (1:10 h), blastula (6:00 h), gastrula (10:30 h), epiboly (21:00 h), notochord formation (30:00 h), inversion (42:30 h), blood circulation (96:00 h), mouth formation (119:00 h), pigmented eye (166:00 h) were observed. The egg hatching was observed at 172:00 h after fertilization. Morphological characteristics basis embryonic developmental stages of <i>A. sebae</i> divided into 30 stages. This study demonstrate that the early developmental stages of <i>A. sebae</i> in captive condition.