The influence of magnetic fields on the early ontogeny of the rainbow cichlid Herotilapia multispinosa (Günther, 1867)

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of static magnetic fields with intensities of 1 mT, 3 mT, and 5 mT on the embryonic and postembryonic development of the rainbow cichlid (Herotilapia multispinosa). The experiments were conducted using eggs obtained from sexually mature, actively spawning pairs of this species. Analysis of the results showed that the applied magnetic fields significantly affected the rate of embryogenesis, which, depending on the intensity, could be either accelerated or slowed down. In particular, exposure to a 5 mT field accelerated development and produced larger hatchlings with smaller yolk sacs but lower subsequent growth, whereas exposure to a 3 mT field prolonged embryogenesis, resulting in smaller hatchlings with relatively larger yolk sacs and faster posthatching growth. The findings suggest that appropriately selected magnetic field parameters may positively influence the development of eggs and larvae of the rainbow cichlid, indicating the potential application of this method in ornamental fish aquaculture to reduce breeding losses.