International Elasmobranch Husbandry Symposium 2013
Husbandry Abstracts
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Land Transportation of Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) Yoshikazu Kitadani, Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
When a whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is caught off the coast, it is kept in the water tank at the Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN research center in Kochi Prefecture first, and then transported to the aquarium in Osaka, conventionally by ship spending more than 20 hours. Since 2011, however, we have introduced land transportation and been successful in transporting whale shark in good condition by decreasing the time required by half. The transport container for whale shark is equipped with filter tank (activated carbon and zeolite), oxygen supplying unit, ventilation unit, and monitoring unit (water quality, behavior, and physiological). |
The Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release of a Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)
in the Arabian Gulf Robert Bennett, Atlantis The Palm Crescent Road Palm Jumeirah Dubai Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
In August 2008 Atlantis the Palm located in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was requested by local authorities to assist in the rescue of a juvenile female Whale shark, which was stranded in the Palm Jebel Ali, a man-made island located approximately 10km from Dubai. The animal was found trapped in warm shallow water with high salinity and low DO which was adding to the animal’s distress during the 18-month period of captivity subsequent to the animals rescue the following observations were made and are covered in this paper: Seasonal changes in swimming patterns possibly linked to swimming aggregations in the gulf; seasonal changes in feeding habit’s with periods of fasting; feeding habits in relation to growth; the recovery of wounds to the pectoral caudal fins sustained during the rescue period; changes in skin pigmentation on small areas of the body; capture and release techniques; and post-release tracking data. |
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) at Georgia Aquarium Christopher Coco, Georgia Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) have been on display at Georgia Aquarium since 2005. The Aquarium successfully transported six whale sharks from Taiwan over a three year period. An operant conditioning behavioral plan was developed to manage the sharks in the field, and in the Aquarium. Feeding techniques evolved to meet their changing needs. The Aquarium team continues to refine its techniques and has been able to address medical and behavioral challenges as they arise. Whale sharks have presented the following challenges: extended periods of inappetence, gastric stenosis, contact lesions, anemia and behavioral stereotypy. Treatment involved utilizing novel strategies to address ailments. |
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Notes on the Husbandry of Captive Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus) Keiichi Sator, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is well known as the largest fish in the world, and it has been successfully kept in captivity for over 18 years at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. Many important factors for maintaining large individuals are reported here, such as the techniques used for capture, transport, feeding, medical care, monitoring, and reproduction in captivity. In addition, we report an allometric equation used to estimate precise Total Length (TL) by measuring the actual length from snout tip to first dorsal origin. This procedure contributes to determining the criteria used during all biological surveys, and to tracking the accurate growth rate of this species. |
Specialist Group Report 3:
AZA Studbook for the Freshwater Stingray (Potamotrygon spp.) Erica Hornbrook, John G. Shedd Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
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Specialist Group Report 4: European Studbook for the Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus)
Chris Brown, Sea Life Adventure Park and Tower Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
No abstract |
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Keynote: What and How Do We Tell the Public About the Global Plight
of Sharks and Rays Peter Knights, WildAid Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
No abstract |
A Review of the Care and Management of Manta sp. at Georgia Aquarium Christian Schreiber, Georgia Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Manta rays (Manta sp.) have been part of Georgia Aquarium's living collection since 2009. Aquarium staff used operant conditioning techniques for consistent feeding and regularly scheduled medical examinations with little or no observable stress to the animals. The group’s behavioral management was adjusted as each new ray was introduced to the exhibit. Manta are handled annually for routine physicals, which include restraint, ventilation, blood draw, measurements, physical inspection, and release. The Aquarium team has dealt with multiple cases where medical care and techniques were developed and refined, leading to resolution of symptoms and recovery. |
Husbandry and Breeding Management of Rhinobatos cemiculus
Alexis Lécu, D.V.M, Renaud Herbert, B.Sc, Nausicaá Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Eight juvenile blackchin guitarfish, Rhinobatos cemiculus, were acquired by Nausicaá in 2006. In four years these elasmobranchs became sexually mature and a first birth was recorded in 2009. Since then, three females guitarfish laid pups every year, which brought the total number of offspring up to 45 by the end of 2012. Husbandry techniques, biometry on adults and juveniles, ultrasonography and regular blood sampling are now included in the regular husbandry routine in order to evaluate reproductive physiology of this species, not so common in aquarium. |
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Elasmobranch Touch Pools:
Best Practices Beth Firchau, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Aquarium science technology and husbandry advances have provided excellent foundations for creative visitor interactive experiences involving all types of elasmobranchs. The demand for more intimate animal experiences involving touch pools is driving the industry to the limits of technology, animal welfare, and visitor adrenaline production. Recognizing and applying best practices in the design, construction, and management of elasmobranch touch pools is crucial to the success of these experiences. Safety, animal welfare, and health management policies related to collection management are necessary to ensure the well being of the elasmobranch collections and the excitement of the guests who participate in these experiences. |
Training and Conditioning of Elasmobranchs in Aquaria
Jennie Janssen, National Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Training and conditioning of elasmobranchs is becoming increasingly more common among aquarium professionals. Station conditioning, target training, and tactile conditioning have been used to aid in the captive management of elasmobranchs with regards to better husbandry practices. The methods used to accomplish these tasks are similar to the operant conditioning techniques typically used for endothermic terrestrial and aquatic animals. These husbandry practices have been used for physical exams, blood draws, ultrasounds, as well as weight and diet management. |
Diving with and Handling Elasmobranchs
Allan Marshall, Wonders of Wildlife Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Effective husbandry and veterinary protocols often require staff to enter an enclosure with elasmobranchs, interact with them, and occasionally handle them directly. At all times husbandry staff should be mindful of the potential dangers inherent in handling these animals. An understanding of the equipment and techniques required to minimize risk of injury are an essential part of protocols and training to be followed by husbandry personnel. Emergency procedures should be in place to ensure that any injury is treated promptly and effectively, and enduring injuries are minimized. |
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Elasmobranchs and Guest-Immersive Interactive Programs
Beth Firchau, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Recognizing and applying best practices when developing and managing an elasmobranch immersive interactive or “swim with” program is crucial to program success. Identifying effective strategies for developing a new exhibit to accommodate such experiences and for retrofitting existing exhibits for a future program is paramount to cost-effective programming. Live collection, aquarist, and guest safety considerations must always by a priority. Ultimately, animal welfare and health management best practices must compliment the biological needs of the live elasmobranch collections, the excitement and inspirational needs of the guests, and the resources available of the sponsoring institution. |
Pushing the Frontiers of Elasmobranch Capture, Transport and Husbandry
Forrest A. Young, Dynasty Marine Associates, Inc Watch Video (Login required) . Full Abstract
Dynasty Marine Associates, Inc. (DMA), have caught and transported a wide variety of elasmobranchs for more than three decades; including the first successful trans-Pacific air transport of the bonnet head shark, Sphyrna tiburo, and the first successful trans-Atlantic air transport of the scalloped hammerhead shark, Sphyrna lewini. DMA have also developed techniques to capture, care for, and transport the grandest of the sphyrnidae, the great hammerhead shark, Sphyrna mokarran, the largest specimen of which was 2.3 m TL. DMA have transported tiger sharks, Galeocerdo cuvier, for durations of up to 48 hours and have pioneered capture and transportation techniques for many carcharhinid species, including the blacktip shark, Carcharhinus limbatus, the blacknose shark, C. acronotus, and the silky shark, C. falciformis. In addition, DMA have developed techniques and successfully conducted directed capture and transport efforts for many myliobatid species: the manta ray, Manta birostris, the lesser devil ray, Mobula hypostoma, and the spotted eagle ray, Aetobatus narinari. These capture and transport efforts have frequently met with success and occasionally failure. DMA have used these experiences to fine-tune techniques and their desire to try new and challenging species has never wavered. Capturing and transporting sharks and rays is not a task to be taken lightly, requiring the unique behavioral and physiological requirements of the animals to be met with innovative logistical and technical solutions. DMA’s successes have come through close collaboration with the public aquarium community, the scientific fraternity, accreditation agencies and various regulatory authorities. In the search for new and interesting species DMA have started investigating deep-water sharks as possible candidates for display in public aquaria. |