Reproduction and development in captivity of the Southeast Asian freshwater pufferfish Pao palembangensis

Abstract

The freshwater pufferfish Pao palembangensis was bred in captivity in order to advance breeding techniques for the species. Breeding occurred in freshwater under stable water temperature (25-26°C) and lighting (L12:D12) conditions, and a spawning bed comprising a stone pipe with a uniform internal surface suitable for establishing and guarding eggs set in a single layer. A pair of individuals spawned three times from June to August 2003, a single egg batch containing about one hundred 2.25 ± 0.01 mm diameter eggs. Hatching occurred 10 days after spawning, larvae being fed initially with Artemia larvae.