Effect of Salinity Variation on the Survival Rate of Amphiprion ocellaris (Common Clownfish)

This study investigates the impact of changes in salinity on the survival rate of Amphiprion ocellaris, commonly known as the Common Clownfish. The aim is to ascertain the minimum salinity threshold that clownfish can tolerate, thereby offering valuable insights for professionals and researchers in the field of ornamental fish. This study utilized ten fully-grown clownfish, all of which were over one year old and had an average length of 38 mm and weight of 1.50 g. Every fish was placed in a carefully regulated tank where the salinity was systematically reduced by around 3 parts per thousand (ppt) every week, beginning from an initial salinity of 32.42 ppt. The weekly monitoring involved the assessment of water quality indices, including dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, and pH. Clownfish exhibited indications of distress, such as reduced appetite and depigmentation, when exposed to a salinity of 8 parts per thousand (ppt). Death occurred when the salinity was decreased to 7 ppt, indicating their incapacity to survive below 10 ppt. These findings suggest that common clownfish are not appropriate for freshwater environments and necessitate specific salinity levels in order to flourish. These findings have practical consequences for the ornamental fish industry, underscoring the significance of maintaining suitable salt levels to avoid misinformation and financial setbacks. Additional investigation should focus on the possibility of raising clownfish in settings with reduced salinity to improve their ability to adapt and better aquaculture techniques.