Asexual Propagation of Sea Anemones That Host Anemonefishes: Implications for the Marine Ornamental Aquarium Trade and Restocking Programs

Abstract

Anemonefishes and their host sea anemones form an iconic symbiotic association in reef environments, and are highly sought after in the marine aquarium trade. This study examines asexual propagation as a method for culturing a geographically widespread and commonly traded species of host sea anemone, Entacmaea quadricolor. Two experiments were done: the first to establish whether size or colour morph influenced survival after cutting into halves or quarters; and the second to see whether feeding was needed to maximise survival and growth after cutting. Survival rates were high in both experiments, with 89.3 and 93.8% of the anemones cut in half, and 62.5 and 80.4% cut in quarters surviving in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. Anemones that were cut in half were larger in size, and healed and grew quicker than those cut in quarters. However, even though survival was lower when the individuals were cut in quarters, this treatment produced the greatest number of anemones. Feeding increased oral disc diameter growth and reduced wet weight loss, but did not significantly influence pedal disc diameter. Given that the anemones took up to 56 d to form an off-centre mouth, it is highly likely that feeding may have produced greater effect if the experiment was run for longer. This low technology method of propagation could be used to produce individuals throughout the year and the anemones could then be used to supply the aquarium trade or restock depleted habitats, thus supporting biodiversity conservation in coral reef areas.

The role of marine reserves in the replenishment of a locally impacted population of anemonefish on the Great Barrier Reef

“…Given the naturally slow capacity for recovery of E. quadricolor populations (Scott & Harrison ), active restoration of anemone populations could benefit both this benthic invertebrate and the populations of fish that they support (Scott et al . ).…”

Nutrition in ornamental aquaculture: the raise of anthropocentrism in aquaculture?

“…Ornamental sea anemone ( Entacmaea quadricolor ) can be fed with prawn meat once a week (Scott et al . ). Ornamental corals fed with Artemia sp.…”

“…Artificial coral feeds may contain rotifers, zooplankton, oyster eggs, spirulina, phytoplankton encapsulated and dissolved fatty acids, carbohydrates and proteins, but their optimal dosage for artificial feeding must be clarified and sometimes commercial coral feeds have no effect on coral growth (Forsman et al 2012). Ornamental sea anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor) can be fed with prawn meat once a week (Scott et al 2014). Ornamental corals fed with Artemia sp.…”

Aquaculture of marine non‐food organisms: what, why and how?

“…; Scott et al . ). Overall, the asexual reproduction of sea anemones is a viable low‐tech approach to ensure their year round production.…”

“…are often slow growing and long lived (Fautin & Allen 1997), not being particularly prone to undergo asexual reproduction (Scott & Harrison 2009). Anemones can be spawned in captivity with the manipulation of abiotic factors playing a key role to trigger the release of gametes (Scott & Harrison 2008), or propagated by fission or by fragmentation (Leal et al 2012c;Scott et al 2014). Overall, the asexual reproduction of sea anemones is a viable lowtech approach to ensure their year round production.…”