Exhibitry Abstracts
Two New Species of Octopus for Display: Coconut and
Larger Pacific Striped Octopus Marisa Avila, Steinhart Aquarium, California Academy of Sciences Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Octopuses are one of the most captivating and crowd pleasing exhibit animals in public aquariums. The California Academy of Sciences is proud to be the first public aquarium to display two unique species of octopus: the Coconut Octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus), and a currently undescribed Central American species, the Larger Pacific Striped Octopus (LPSO). This presentation will discuss collection, display, husbandry and research of these engaging cephalopods. |
The Sea Lasso: How to Catch a Kelp Paddy in One Swoop Chris Okamoto, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
It is a common occurrence to come across drifting kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) off the coast in southern California. If this drifting kelp does not wash ashore, it may drift at the ocean surface for approximately 100 days before decomposing. Also known as “Kelp Rafts” or “Kelp Paddies”, these mats of kelp have the potential to house many species of both pelagic and benthic fishes as well as invertebrates. In 2003 the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium opened up a 1500 gallon “crawl under” plexiglas display tank which demonstrates what it's like to be under a blue water kelp paddy. This tank displays common fauna that is found under a wild kelp paddy, however collecting enough life to fill this display proved to be a tedious task. Over time we evolved to use a freediver driven-purse seine net to collect thousands of specimens in a single netting. The type of fauna vary from season to season and we have somewhat pinpointed the best times of the year to collect targeted specimens. |
Full Abstract
The surprisingly colorful temperate reef tank and the husbandry challenges accompanying it. A cold water temperate reef tank can be both diverse and surprisingly colorful, rivaling its warm water counterpart. We have been assessing the growth and changes of many invertebrate species in a 5-year long study in trial and error of the Plantlike Animals Tank at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Besides the obvious temperature difference, what most sets it apart from its tropical counterpart is the need for much more food and much less light, presenting its own set of maintenance and display challenges. Water flow requirements for different temperate cnidarians run the full range, from raging to very still. Even so, some species are tolerant of a wide range of conditions and others seem to be absolutely unsuitable for captivity. And like tropical cnidarians, many are territorial and will battle or overrun other species. A fascinating tank to have on display, one can see changes in the resident species evolve month to month and year to year. |
A Living Coral Reef in Golden Gate Park:
A Year 5 Update J. Charles Delbeek, Steinhart Aquarium, California Academy of Sciences Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Begun with ambitious goals, one of the largest and deepest living coral reef exhibits in the world, The Steinhart Aquarium’s Philippine Coral Reef exhibit will mark its 5th anniversary of operation in the spring of 2013. With over 1500 fish of some 120 species, and more than 800 living plants, anemones, giant clams, corals and other invertebrates this 212,000 gallon (803 m3) mixed taxa exhibit has not been without its challenges. This presentation will cover some of the lessons learned over the last 5 years of operation, and will look at the challenges faced in water chemistry, feeding, water motion, lighting and collection building, and some of the ways in which each are being addressed. |
Buff Guys Buffing! An Acrylic Buffing Story Ramon Villaverde, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Buffing scratches out of acrylic windows is a subject that has come up repeatedly on the listserves and in conversations in recent years. Every institution that displays acrylic windows is likely to see scratches, and it is important to remove them properly. However, many aquariums still seem unsure of the best way to approach the task. This talk aims to discuss the most up-to-date products available and the techniques to use them effectively. Information will include the following: Overview of tools and process Pros and Cons of different sanders Pros and Cons of different sanding discs and grit varieties Underwater buffing versus dry side buffing Window preparation and material organization How to estimate time requirements Photographic instruction and details of materials |
RiverGiants: The Message is Important Yet Nothing, if Not Heard Thom Demas, Tennessee Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
River Giants. It's a biological purist's nightmare: an exhibit with fish from all over the world. It's a husbandry nightmare: finding ideal tank conditions for rearing large, predatory fish with attitudes. But it's our guests' dream: an exhibit they love and remember...with a message they take home. This departure from a traditional biogeographical exhibit format has paid big dividends at the Tennessee Aquarium by mixing important conservation messages with an engaging exhibit. |