Achieving consistent hatching success is crucial for the sustainable commercial production of fish, particularly for demersal spawning species like clownfish. The process often involves the delicate task of transferring spawning substrates from broodstock tanks to larval systems, necessitating meticulous care to prevent egg fouling. Traditional methods, while effective, come with challenges in ensuring optimal conditions for each hatch.
Addressing these challenges, we developed a custom-designed 3D-printed hatching apparatus (Figure 1). This innovation streamlines the hatching process for clownfish, a species that can be trained to spawn on removable substrates. The apparatus is specifically tailored to support a standard 6 x 6-inch ceramic tile, commonly used as a spawning substrate in hatcheries.
The design of the hatching stand is key to its functionality. It holds the tile at a precise 60-degree angle, ensuring stability and optimal egg exposure. A critical feature of the design is a channel that positions an air diffuser directly beneath the tile. This arrangement creates an ideal air curtain, facilitating continuous water circulation over the eggs, thereby significantly reducing the risk of fouling, and enhancing viability during incubation.
Moreover, the versatility of this 3D-printed apparatus extends beyond hatching. Variations of the design can be utilized within broodstock tanks to support spawning substrates, mitigating risks associated with tile displacement and simplifying nest removal . By creating a reliable, efficient, and reproducible tool for egg incubation, the probability of successful larval development in each batch is substantially increased.