Feeding sex-related behaviour of clownfish in captivity conditions

Abstract

This study focused in the clownfish behaviour in captivity, during feedings periods. Despite the commercial interest on this species the scientific references regarding this point were scarce. A quantitative experiment was performed, 15 clownfish pairs stocked separately in aquaria and its aggressiveness was examined before, during and after meals. Experimental animals were fed on five different diets tested in triplicate for 40 days. Growth performance was also evaluated during the experimental period, as well as the relationships between diets and behaviour. To evaluate behaviour, a visual survey was carried out twice a week in each aquarium, and, the total number of fish pellet eaten for each fish was counted. Concerning statistical analysis, one way ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis tests were used for diets and behaviour, respectively. The comparison between diets showed that all diets promote a similar growth in fish showing 100% survival. Females were more aggressive than males, especially when size asymmetry was present; however weight asymmetry was not significant. The majority of attacks happened during feeding dosification.