In a first, Indian researchers develop designer clownfish

The ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) has developed designer clownfish through cross-breeding of two clownfish species, for the first time in the country through a hybridization process.

- AROCKIARAJ J @Kasaragod

The researchers have created the designer clownfish by cross-breeding orange clownfish amphiprion percula (male) and common clownfish amphiprion ocellaris (female) in their hatchery.

Among the aquarium fish species, clownfishes form an important group that attracts hobbyists/aquarists because of their mutualistic relationship with sea anemones. Thirty species of clownfish are reported globally. Of this, India is home to 15 species and NBFGR is maintaining all of them at their facility in Annamalai University.