Ontogeny of the digestive tract of larval percula clownfish, Amphiprion percula (Lacepede 1802):: a histological perspective

An understanding of the development of the digestive system of marine fish larvae is of critical importance in determining optimal feeding regimes for their culture. The present study provides information on the histomorphological development of the digestive system of clown fish, Amphiprion percula, larvae during the first month of life. Before hatching, clownfish larvae possess an alimentary tract, liver and pancreas with absorptive and digestive capabilities. The yolk sac is completely consumed within 5-7 days at 25 degrees C. Clownfish larvae readily accept rotifers after hatching and a complete dietary shift from rotifer to Artemia can be accomplished at 10 days after hatch (DAH). Gastric glands in the stomach first develop 11 DAH and proliferate by 15 DAH. Both non-staining vacuoles (NSV) and supranuclear inclusion vesicles (SIV) appear at 11 DAH in the midgut and hindgut respectively. Pinocytosis and extracellular digestion coexist for about 2 weeks after hatching. While SIV disappeared completely at 25 DAH, NSV continued to be a prominent feature of the midgut during the first month.