Effect of Magnetic Fields on the Development of the Larvae of the Jaguar Cichlid (Parachromis managuensis, Günther, 1867) and the Green Terror (Andinoacara rivulatus, Günther, 1860)

This article has examined the effects of magnetic fields with intensities of 1 mT, 3 mT, and 5 mT on two species of cichlid fish (family Cichlidae). This study focused specifically on assessing the influence of these magnetic fields on larval development, the survival rate, and the occurrence of deformities in the larvae of the jaguar cichlid (Parachromis managuensis) and the green terror (Andinoacara rivulatus). The analysis of the study results indicates that the effects of magnetic field exposure depend both on its intensity and on the fish species being studied. Magnetic fields, depending on the applied intensity, can influence changes in body size as well as the size of the yolk sac. In jaguar cichlid larvae, increased survival was observed in the groups exposed to the magnetic field; however, this was accompanied by a higher number of deformities compared with the control group. In the case of the green terror, the highest survival rates were recorded in the control group and in the group exposed to a magnetic field of 3 mT, while increased numbers of deformities were also noted in the exposed groups. The obtained results may be of significant importance for ornamental fish aquaculture, where appropriately selected magnetic field parameters could support larval growth and survival, reducing losses in breeding.