Feminization of false clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) to produce functional broodstock using 17b-estradiol

Abstract

Amphiprion ocellaris, commonly referred to as the false clownfish, is a popular marine aquarium fish with high market value in the ornamental fish trade due to its unique and beautiful body coloration. The social structure of the false clownfish typically consists of a pair of functional brooders within a population of individuals which remain as protandrous hermaphrodites usually incapable of breeding. This situation often hampers the commercial scale production of large numbers of clownfish offspring and broodstock.