International Elasmobranch Husbandry Symposium 2013
Health Abstracts
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Emerging Diseases of
Aquarium Elasmobranchs Alistair D. M. Dove, Georgia Aquarium Research Center Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Parasitic diseases of aquarium-held elasmobranchs we well covered in the first edition of the Elasmobranch Husbandry Manual by Bullard and Benz, while bacterial & fungal diseases were covered by Terrell and protistan diseases by Goertz. We explore some emergent problem diseases not covered in the previous edition, including the coccidian Eimeria southwelli in cow-nosed rays, the monogeneans Benedeniella posterocolpa in cow nosed rays and Dendromonocotyle octodiscus in yellow rays, the leech Branchellion torpedinis in demersal elasmobranchs, Fusarium fungal infections in bonnethead and other sharks, and the nematode Huffmanela in the skin of bonnethead sharks. Characteristics of each disease are given, along with some treatment strategies. |
Pharmacology of Elasmobranchs
Natalie Mylniczenko, Disney’s Animals Science and Environment Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
There is a paucity of information regarding pharmacotherapeutics in elasmobranchs. Much of the dosing of medications relies on extrapolation from other species or subjective and/or experimental information. While this is our only recourse, knowledge of anatomy, physiology, environmental influences and drug properties can be advantageous. Experiences of colleagues adds to the databank of pharmacotherapeutics that have been used without negative consequence and that in some cases, have had desired effects. However, actual biologic drug levels and safety studies are lacking in most of these scenarios. |
Full Abstract
Quarantine of elasmobranchs is challenging because of the variety of species, the size and value of some individuals, and the limited information on their environmental needs and disease susceptibility. Quarantine plans need to be tailored to the species acquired, the needs of the institution, and the facilities available. Some of the issues addressed in this chapter include shipping, acclimation, feeding, quarantine system design, behavioral conditioning, common diagnostics, and infectious and non-infectious diseases. Attempts will be made to provide taxonomic-based guidelines. |
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Diagnostic Imaging of Elasmobranchs Natalie Mylniczenko, Disney’s Animals Science and Environment Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
All diagnostic imaging modalities available for use in veterinary medicine are feasible for use in elasmobranchs. However, the most common imaging modalities for elasmobranchs are radiographs and ultrasound. Radiographs have limited use, but can identify fractures, gas, and some foreign bodies. With contrast studies, vascular or gastrointestinal anatomy can be highlighted. Ultrasound is a critical tool for evaluation of internal organs. Size, shape, texture, motion and location of the organs are significant for overall evaluation of elasmobranch health. Due to the technical difficulties of maintaining an aquatic animal in an MRI or CT, this modality is used much less frequently. |
Physical Examination and Clinical Approach for Large Elasmobranchs
Keiichi Sato, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The physical examination of large elasmobranchs has been performed in an extremely limited number of aquariums. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium has been accumulating information on the properties of blood of large species, i.e. whale shark (Rhincodon typus), alfred manta (Manta alfredi), bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) by routine underwater sampling conducted by veterinary staff. Those data have greatly contributed to the long-term husbandry, the precise diagnosis of physical condition, and diagnosis of pregnancy with the combined use of underwater ultrasonography. This has resulted in the long- term captivity of the whale shark (18 yrs.), manta ray (20 yrs.) and bull shark (35 yrs.), and the captive reproduction of the latter two species has been recorded. |
Blood Sampling of Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) by Husbandry Training
Yoshikazu Kitadani, Osaka Aquarium, KAIYUKAN Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN has conducted blood sampling of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) for health management. It was originally performed while positioning sharks in the stretcher. Recently, however, we have successfully taken blood samples without keeping them in a fixed position by introducing husbandry training. We conduct blood sampling while feeding because this is when the shark can stay vertically in the water. While our curator controls the shark’s position by feeding around the water surface, a series of desensitization is given to the whale shark. As a result of husbandry training, blood sampling was achieved without physical restraint. |
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Chemical Immobilization of Elasmobranchs at uShaka Sea World in
Durban, South Africa Tony McEwan, South African Association for Marine Biological Research Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Sea World is a large public aquarium in the uShaka Marine World Marine Theme Park in Durban, South Africa with a saltwater volume of 22 million liters. There are times when elasmobranches need to be handled for a variety of reasons. During the handling process the animals can easily damage themselves and/or the handlers. To reduce the risks of damage to all, chemical immobilization techniques and dosages have been developed and used. 2- Phenoxyethanol (ethylene glycol mono-phenyl ether) a colorless, oily liquid has been widely used as a cooling lubricator, an antibacterial and antifungal preservative in cosmetics, a fixative and as an anesthetic in elasmobranchs and fish. We have used this successfully to sedate 14 species of elasmobranchs. Sedation with 2-Phenoxyethanol has proved to be highly successful and is now routinely used forming an integral part of the management of our elasmobranch collection. The majority of animals anaesthetized showed optimal anaesthesia at a concentration of 0.150 ml/L. Details of the elasmobranchs immobilized and dosage regimes will be presented. For handling of large individual sharks and rays from large exhibits excellent results have been obtained by administering Medetomidine (Zalopine by Orion Pharma 10mg/ml) at 0.1mg/kg by pressurized injection, or in combination with Butorphanol (Butorphanol by V-tech 25mg/ml) at 1mg/kg. Over 100 sharks of eight species have been successfully handled. Dosage regimes and results will be presented. The authors believe that the chemical immobilization of elasmobranchs as described has been overwhelmingly successful and a high degree of safety is afforded to both animals and personnel. |
Freshwater Treatments on Two Myliobatid Rays: California Bat Rays (Myliobatis californica) and Spotted Eagle Rays (Aetobatus narinari)
Erin Lyman, Monterey Bay Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Fresh water baths have been successfully used as a treatment to control monogeneans on bat rays held for multiple years in temperate, open seawater systems. Fresh water is non-toxic to humans and animals, is affordable and accessible, and can be easily disposed of. Freshwater baths have been effective on all life stages of parasites present on rays and does not cause drug resistant strains of parasites. We compare the results of fresh water baths given to control monogeneans on another myliobatid, the eagle ray. Our intent is to create a protocol for freshwater treatments for treatment of monogeneans on myliobatids that is effective and easy to follow. |
Mineral and Vitamin Levels in Elasmobranchs Lisa A. Hoopes, Ph.D., Georgia Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
While extensive research has been conducted on the trace mineral and vitamin requirements of teleost fishes, much less attention has been directed at understanding these dietary requirements in elasmobranchs. Mineral and vitamin levels measured in the blood of 30 species of elasmobranchs at the Georgia Aquarium showed a high degree of variability, likely related to feeding status and differences in physiology. Feeding records combined with mineral analyses of food items fed in aquaria can aid in determining daily nutrient and mineral intakes which are important for determining whether the diet is meeting the minimum mineral requirements for teleosts. |
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Intra- and Inter-specific Food Related Interactions in Populations of Elasmobranchs at Acquario di Genova
Laura Castellano, Acquario di Genova Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The physical examination of large elasmobranchs has been performed in an extremely limited number of aquariums. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium has been accumulating information on the properties of blood of large species, i.e. whale shark (Rhincodon typus), alfred manta (Manta alfredi), bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) by routine underwater sampling conducted by veterinary staff. Those data have greatly contributed to the long-term husbandry, the precise diagnosis of physical condition, and diagnosis of pregnancy with the combined use of underwater ultrasonography. This has resulted in the long- term captivity of the whale shark (18 yrs.), manta ray (20 yrs.) and bull shark (35 yrs.), and the captive reproduction of the latter two species has been recorded. |
Evidence for a Biennial Feeding Strategy in Female Grey Nurse Sharks (Carcharias taurus)in Line with Reproduction
Rob Townsend, Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
It has long been known that Carcharias taurus has a biennial reproductive cycle, here we present evidence that the food intake of female C. Taurus correlates to their stage in that reproductive cycle. We found that in some cases individuals would consume up to four times as much food in a reproductive year than in a non-reproductive year. Given the importance of this species to the aquarium industry and the increased efforts to breed them in captivity this information will be an important aid in determining the suitability of individual females for use in breeding programs. |
Development of a Body Condition
Scoring Process for the Spotted Eagle Ray (Aetobatus narinari) Tanya Kamerman, The Living Seas, Walt Disney World Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
In an effort to advance the husbandry of spotted eagle rays, Aetobatus narinari (Euphrasen, 1790), Disney’s The Seas® designed a standardized body scoring process to create a more objective way to assess an individual animal’s body condition. To achieve this goal, the method utilizes a 1-5 scoring system including coordinating diagrams and descriptions for each body condition score option. The current working model has been implemented at Disney’s The Seas® with the future goal of a global standardized technique for A. narinari health evaluations. |
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A Survey of Voltage in Aquaria Housing Elasmobranchs
Julie Levans & Mary McCarthy, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
It is well known that elasmobranchs interpret faint electric fields, which aids in navigation and prey location. Components within aquaria usually operate with some measure of errant voltage, but how this may affect captive elasmobranchs has not been thoroughly investigated. This project examines whether stray voltage may warrant being a regular husbandry consideration alongside tank size, substrate, and life support. Institutions participating in this survey were given a procedure describing how to test voltage with a voltmeter and completed a questionnaire regarding the system(s) tested and species they house. The data provides a baseline of typical voltage variances within aquaria and possible avenues of further investigation into the effects of stray currents on captive elasmobranchs. |