International Elasmobranch Husbandry Symposium 2013
Husbandry II Abstracts
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Capture, Transport and Husbandry of Silvertip Sharks (Carcharhinus albimarginatus)
Paul Lotter, South African Association for Marine Biological Research Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
uShaka Sea World is situated on the east coast of South Africa. 98% of all our animals are collected by aquarium staff. At present we display about 27 different species of Elasmobranchs. Between 2009 and 2012 a total of 15 Silvertip sharks (Carcharhinus albimarginatus) were successfully captured and transported to uShaka Sea World, by our collections team. The size of the collected sharks ranged from 590mm to 800mm total length and they were are caught using hook and line on an inshore reef south of the border between South Africa and Mozambique. All sharks were quarantined before being added to our Reef Predators exhibit. The sharks captured in 2009 and 2011 were later removed and added to our Large Shark display in 2012. Currently we have eight (8) medium-sized silvertip sharks in our Large Shark exhibit and four (4) smaller specimens in our Reef Predator exhibit. The silvertip sharks harmoniously co-exist with other fishes and sharks both smaller and larger than themselves. |
Collection, Transport and Husbandry of the Greenland Shark (Somniosus microcephalus) Joe Choromanski, Ripley Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
In 2004 and 2005, as a part of a research and development effort for a new Ripley’s Aquarium in Canada (Niagara Falls), staff from Ripley’s Aquariums researched the possibility of collecting and displaying the 4th largest shark species, the Greenland Shark (Somniosus microcephalus). Previous scientific research on this species has historically been conducted in the Canadian arctic and other arctic regions such as Greenland. In this same aquarium research time frame there had been coincidental sightings and video documentation of this species in the St. Lawrence Seaway and its tributaries in the province of Quebec. This far more accessible location made the possibility of collecting and transporting this species more feasible economically and logistically. In the fall of 2005, Ripley’s staff was successful in locating, tagging and tracking live specimens; collecting, by hand via SCUBA, a single live specimen; and transporting it by vessel across the St. Lawrence Seaway and by specialized tanker truck over land to a University research facility where it was studied for several weeks. Ultimately, the specimen never adapted to the captive environment but the research effort has shed new light on this species behavior, age, anatomy as well as the complex logistics involved in collecting and transporting large cold-water sharks. |
Captive Biology of the White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) Juan M. Ezcurra, Monterey Bay Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Since 2004 the Monterey Bay Aquarium has displayed six juvenile white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) in the 3.8-million-liter Outer Bay exhibit. Upon capture the sharks (132 —164 cm total length and 19.6—47.0 kg body mass) were held in a 13.8-million-liter ocean pen to initiate feeding prior to transport. Oxygen consumption rates of free-swimming white sharks during transports were analyzed, yielding one of the highest reported mass-specific MO2 for any shark species [246 + 13 mg O2 kg-1 h-1 (mean + SE)]. While on display (70—198 d), four of the white sharks fed consistently at a daily ration of 747 + 46 g or 1.62 + 0.15 % body mass d-1. One shark did not feed and was released after 11 days; another shark fed intermittently and was released after 55 days but did not survive. The captive white sharks grew in mass at a rate of 71.6 + 8.2 kg yr-1, with a corresponding mean gross conversion efficiency of 27.1 + 3.8 %. They grew at a mean rate of 64.9 + 8.5 cm yr-1, approximately twice the growth rate estimated from a von Bertalanffy growth function. All white sharks were tagged upon release using pop-up archival satellite tags, which provided movement data on their southerly migrations, some as far as the Sea of Cortes, Mexico. |
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Husbandry of the Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) at the Acuario de Veracruz, México
Raul Marin-Osorno, Acuario de Veracruz Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
While the challenges of maintaining the tiger shark in captivity are well known, we report the husbandry methods that have lead to the display of large tiger sharks (up to 310 cm total length) at the Acuario de Veracruz for periods of three to seven years. A large exhibit space (volumes greater than 900 m3), a diverse diet, targeted pole feedings and a high feeding ration (up to 2% body mass per day) are essential for managing the swimming pattern and energetic requirements of this pelagic shark. Following exhibit, the successful de- accession to the wild has also been demonstrated by data from a pop-up archival satellite tag placed on a 308 cm total length male tiger shark released to the Gulf of Mexico from the Acuario de Veracruz. |
Collection, Transport and Husbandry of the Blue Shark (Prionace glauca)
Núria Baylina, Oceanário de Lisboa Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The blue shark is a common animal with a global distribution range. Despite being considered one of the most beautiful and graceful sharks it is rarely kept in public aquaria. Several institutions worldwide have tried to keep this species but none has achieved a significantly long survival time. This paper describes collection and transport methods as well as husbandry and medical care related to this species. The information provided is based on the Oceanário’s seven-month experience, as well as similar trials conducted by multiple institutions that have kept Blue Sharks. |
Meeting the Unique Challenges of
Caring for Mobula sp. Christian Schreiber, Georgia Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Georgia Aquarium has displayed the lesser devil ray (Mobula hypostoma) since 2009. A behavioral plan was developed that allowed the ray to feed in a manner consistent with similar species. The ray’s unique requirements necessitated changes to the plan, which led to its introduction to the exhibit. This foundation allowed the ray to be managed for routine exams and treatment. The ray took several weeks to re-establish regular feeding but ultimately began to feed from a submerged platform. The behavioral plan facilitated regular veterinary care. Additional rays were the beneficiaries of knowledge gained through experience with the initial specimen. |
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Husbandry of Bowmouth Guitarfish (Rhina ancylostoma) Mark J. Dvornak, Newport Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The distinctive Bowmouth Guitarfish (Rhina ancylostoma), or shark ray, has experienced an increase in popularity as an exhibit animal since introduced to North America in 2005 at the Newport Aquarium. Although not an especially difficult species for which to care, special considerations should be made in the husbandry of this monotypic species. Transport, quarantine, exhibit design, dietary considerations, medical issues and training are presented. In addition, current breeding efforts and reproduction research are discussed as well by the author. |
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Husbandry of Freshwater Stingrays
Erica Hornbrook & George Stettner, John G. Shedd Aquarium Dallas World Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The elasmobranch family Potamotrygonidae is restricted to freshwaters of South America, and is increasingly popular in public aquarium displays. Captive reproduction is reported in only some species, and little is known about the natural history of others. Potamotrygonids require varied nutrition that includes vitamin supplementation, species-specific habitat components, and innovative rearing techniques and medical treatments. They may be trained to facilitate enrichment and health management. Handlers should follow protocols that reduce the risk of envenomation, mark individual rays with PIT tags to ensure correct identification, and avoid holding situations that could lead to hybridization. |
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Specialist Group Report 5: AZA Studbook for the Zebra Shark
Lise Watson, John G. Shedd Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
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