ICAR-NBFGR Develops Designer Clownfish Through Selective Hybridisation

9 September 2025, Kochi

ICAR–National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources has achieved a major breakthrough in marine ornamental aquaculture by successfully developing designer clownfish through selective hybridisation. The research, conducted at the institute’s hatchery facility at the Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Centre, Airoli, Mumbai, was supported by funding from the Mangrove Foundation, Government of Maharashtra.

The hybridisation involved Amphiprion percula (male) and Amphiprion ocellaris (female) and marks a first-of-its-kind success in India. Spanning six years, the programme has produced the F4 generation of hybrid progeny, which display striking and distinct colour variations. Molecular analyses confirmed that the designer clowns share closer genetic similarity with A. percula, while exhibiting enhanced visual appeal and adaptability.

Designer clownfish—popularly known in the global trade as Picasso, Platinum, Snowflake, Snowbrite, and Gladiator—are prized for their unique and vibrant patterns, commanding high value in the ornamental fish market. The findings of this work were recently published in Current Science by Dr. P. R. Divya and Dr. T. T. Ajith Kumar.

Highlighting the significance of the achievement, Dr. Kajal Chakraborty, Director, ICAR-NBFGR, noted that the development of designer clownfish represents a step towards sustainable marine ornamental fish production with wide-ranging applications in conservation aquaculture, livelihood generation, and reducing reliance on wild-caught stocks.

To extend these benefits, ICAR-NBFGR has also launched collaborative programmes with the Tribal Development Department of Tamil Nadu, enabling tribal communities in Pichavaram and Pulicat to engage in designer clownfish farming. Through a community aquaculture model, the initiative aims to supply aquarium markets with captive-bred designer clowns while creating assured livelihood opportunities and promoting responsible aquaculture practices.

(Source: ICAR–National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow)