Thursday Presentation Abstracts
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Capturing Elasmobranchs Using Behavioral Husbandry Training Techniques to Reduce Stress in Transports and Medical Procedures Nicole Leier, Aquarium of the Pacific Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
This presentation will explain the current behavioral husbandry training being conducted on elasmobranchs at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA. This presentation will break down the processes by which we were able to condition these animals to being captured. It will also compare and contrast pre-training blood values against the blood values received after implementing the training techniques. As a result of these training methods, we are able to reduce stress and more easily perform animal moves and preventative health checks on our elasmobranchs. |
The Successful Training, Capture and Transport of a Goliath Grouper
(Epinephelus itajara) Amy Reierson, The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Walt Disney World Resort Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The Seas with Nemo and Friends® at Walt Disney World Resort® is home to a 5.7 million-gallon, multiple-species exhibit. For many species, behavioral husbandry is a key tool to ensure good overall health and safe capture techniques. For a resident goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara), primary and secondary reinforcements were used to desensitize the animal to enter a series of enclosures, including crates, bags and pipes. The animal’s voluntary participation in this training program enabled aquarists to successfully capture and transport him to a new environment. This presentation will review the key factors that helped make this training a success as well as the challenges that were overcome along the way. |
Can You Teach an Old Nautilus New Tricks? Gregory Jeff Barord, CUNY – Graduate Center and Brooklyn College Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Living nautiluses are members of an ancient lineage that can be traced back nearly 500 million years, long before mammals, dinosaurs, insects or sharks were even around. However, even after nearly 500 million years of environmental change and evolutionary adaptation, living nautiluses still closely resemble their fossilized ancestors and are thus called “living fossils.” The closest living relatives to nautiluses are octopuses, squid and cuttlefish but there are significant differences between them. Aside from the presence of a shell, the nautilus nervous system is less developed than that of other cephalopods and is a primary reason why nautiluses have been labeled as unintelligent or just plain “dumb.” However, recent evidence suggests that nautiluses possess similar learning and memory capabilities as other cephalopods. In this presentation, we show that nautiluses use visual cues within their environment to navigate an experimental maze and change their behavior depending on the location of a “homing beacon.” The nautiluses were conditioned to locate the beacon during five training trials. Next, a sixth “probe” (or test) trial was conducted by either removing the beacon or shifting the beacon 45° or 90° from the original location. During each probe trial, the behavior of the nautiluses changed as a result of the change in beacon location. This suggests that nautiluses are capable of different types of learning strategies and have the behavioral flexibility to alter their actions based on their environment. These results shed light on the evolution of the nervous system in cephalopods, but also may provide relevant information related to their captive care. |
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Training of Marine Eels: How to Make Feeding Easier Erin Patel and John Dickson, The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Walt Disney World Resort Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
A multi-species eel display is a popular exhibit at The Seas with Nemo and Friends® pavilion at the Walt Disney World® Resort. The 260-gallon cylindrical exhibit was home to six snowflake moray eels (Echidna nebulosa),two zebra moray eels (Gymnomuraena zebra) and four spotted snake eels (Myricthys maculosus) when it opened in 2006. This diverse collection, however, proved to have challenges when feeding due to the eels’ natural foraging behaviors, resulting in unpredictable swimming patterns and in-tank aggression. In order to create a more controlled and efficient feeding environment, a training and enrichment plan was created to improve and enhance the welfare of these animals by reducing aggression and controlling diets. It was also thought that this plan could provide opportunities to easily capture the animals for medical procedures or get daily visual assessments for body condition. We also wanted to demonstrate to guests the ability of fish to respond to behavioral management. The snowflake moray eels were trained to swim into clear 2-inch PVC pipes where they were offered food from the top. The spotted snake eels were trained to come up onto specific artificial plate corals at the top of the reef work of the exhibit where they were individually fed using either short feeding sticks or by hand. The zebra moray eels were baited out of the holes in the reef work of the exhibit using a long feeding stick. To date, the greatest challenge has been dealing with aggression among conspecifics and our greatest success has been working through the challenges to achieve full participation from all of our eels in our various training techniques. The progression of this project has taken several years to arrive at our current training strategy; its continued success is due to regular readjustments based on the results of the implementation as well as the changing population dynamics. |
Attempted Treatments for Eimeria southwelli in Cownose Rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) Heather Broadhurst, NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine, CMAST Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) are one of the most commonly exhibited elasmobranch species in public aquaria. This species is commonly afflicted with the coccidian parasite Eimeria southwelli that is associated with (though not definitively the cause of) chronic fatal disease in an aquarium setting. The three North Carolina Aquariums at Fort Fisher, Pine Knoll Shores and Roanoke Island maintain cownose rays in their aquarium collections; veterinary care is provided by the North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Center for Marine Sciences and Technology. From 2008 to 2012, several medical treatments were attempted to reduce or eliminate the parasitic loads in cownose rays that were confirmed positive with moderate to heavy infestations of Eimeria southwelli. Four separate trials were performed, including ponazuril paste (administered orally), and clindamycin, sulfamethoxine and enrofloxacin - all injected intracoelomically. None of these attempts was successful in reducing or eliminating the coccidian, and the sulfamethoxine treatment regimen appeared to contribute to the fatality of a few animals. Throughout all of the treatments, optimal routine husbandry, especially nutritional support, was paramount in delaying the onset of clinical symptoms and maintaining clinically healthy rays. |
Degradation of Formalin –
Evidence for Changes to Long-Term Formalin Treatment Protocols Stacy Knight, Larry Boles and M. Andrew Stamper, The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Walt Disney World Resort Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Pharmaceuticals are commonly used for the treatment of disease in the aquarium and aquaculture industries. Formalin has been used as a standard treatment for ectoparasites and fungi for nearly 80 years, but little is known about the effects of formalin on saltwater recirculating systems or the rate of formalin degradation in saltwater. This study documents the effects of a five-day long-term formalin treatment (25ppm) on saltwater aquaria. The response of the biological filter, formalin degradation rates, and the effects of fish biomass on formalin degradation were examined. Throughout the experiment, the biological filtration function remained unaffected. Formalin concentrations regularly decreased from 25 ppm to 0 ppm in less than 6 hours, and fish density had no effect on the degradation rates. The dynamic degradation of formalin suggests the need for frequent testing and follow-up doses during treatment cycles to ensure the maintenance of therapeutic concentrations and to prevent recurrence of pathogens. |
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Aulani Marine Teleost Quarantine - Part Deux Marj Awai, Aulani - A Disney Resort & Spa Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
RAW 2012, Eric Curtis reviewed pre-opening quarantine procedures for fish in the 167,000-gallon snorkel-lagoon at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, in Hawaii. This paper is a follow-up to his presentation with a discussion of our updated quarantine procedures. Quarantine protocols had to be modified when we discovered that fish were not completely free of parasites after treatment. By increasing chloroquine dosage and decreasing salinity, we were able to successfully bring our fish through quarantine. Keeping fish free from subsequent infections is also a major concern, since “biosecurity” is an issue when hotel guests snorkel in the ocean-side lagoon and then snorkel in Rainbow Reef. However, no significant disease outbreaks have occurred at this time. We will present several hypotheses to try to understand this situation. |
How Water Quality Influences the
Captive Husbandry of Hellbenders, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishop Amanda Pedigo, St. Louis Zoo Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The St. Louis Zoo Wildcare Institute’s Ron Goellner Center for Hellbender Conservation is home to the largest collection of Ozark Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishop) in the world - approximately 4,200 specimens. The Center’s focus is to breed and head-start these unique, fully aquatic salamanders for eventual release in order to augment remaining populations. Water quality has played an important role in our accomplishments to date, influencing decisions pertaining to enclosure design and maintenance, breeding, larval rearing, feeding strategies, etc. We are constantly monitoring and adjusting water quality parameters to ensure our continued success with this species. |
A Survey of Voltage
in Aquaria Housing Elasmobranchs Mary McCarthy and Julie Levans, Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
This is an update of a talk originally presented at the International Elasmobranch Husbandry Symposium in November 2013. 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 examined whether stray voltage may warrant being a regular husbandry consideration along with tank size, substrate and life support. Institutions participating in this survey were given instructions describing how to test voltage with a voltmeter and then asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the system(s) tested and the species they housed. The data to be presented provides a baseline of typical voltage variances within aquaria and presents possible avenues of further investigation into the effects of stray currents on captive elasmobranchs. |
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When a Dock is More Than Just a Place to Tether Boats: Incorporating Learning Laboratories on a Floating Surface
Julianne E. Steers, Ocean Institute Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Bringing students and the community closer to the ocean was the driving force behind a comprehensive plan to replace the Ocean Institute’s 1970s-era dock. By 2000, the entryway to our floating, mobile classrooms was in dire need of repair. Decades of wear in Dana Point Harbor and the tugging of large vessels had taken its toll; the dock facility was beyond the point of salvage. When plans to build the landside educational facilities were developed, a new dock was to be included, but budgetary constraints delayed its construction. By 2011, the plans had blossomed into a trove of interactive educational stations, including a Biological Diversity Laboratory. Utilizing floating platform technology, a sturdy surface incorporates plumbing and electrical chases for the life-support system as well as hidden features for educational discovery. Not to mention the Ocean Science Landing is engineered to keep all the aquaria level with changing tides and surges. Built right on the water in mid-2013, the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center now introduces thousands of K-12 students and public visitors to current and emerging issues in oceanography, environmental science and maritime history. |
1985 Called - They Want Their
Artemia Methods Back Dr. Andrew Rhyne, Roger Williams University / The New England Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Artemia production is one of the most important aspects of a successful hatchery, playing a crucial role in larval rearing protocols. For public aquariums, they are the go-to feed for jellyfish. Yet when was the last time your institution updated its protocols? Do you still use oil-based enrichments? In the Roger Williams University/New England Aquarium larval rearing workshops, one of the most popular topics among participants has been the best method of Artemia production. These workshops demonstrated that most participants were unaware of key factors, including: 1) the damage they were doing to Artemia during harvesting; 2) how to separate the hatching envelope from nauplii; 3) how to properly enrich Artemia, and; 4) how to cold-store Artemia to reduce costs, space and labor. This talk will review the latest and most up-to-date Artemia protocols, and will challenge institutions to question their current methods. |
Pest Management in a Semi-Open Freshwater Multi-Taxa Exhibit Beth Schneble, National Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Pest control in an aquarium or zoo setting is never an easy task. Many of the conventional baits available are also harmful to fish, amphibians and reptiles, making it difficult to find effective bait that is also safe for aquatic environments. One of the “Maryland Mountains to the Sea” gallery exhibits at the National Aquarium had an infestation of cockroaches that was overtaking the exhibit. Traditional pest eradication techniques such as many pesticides and traps could not be used, as they posed a threat to the animal collection and were visible to the public. So creative and new approaches to managing this pest issue were used to control and mitigate the issue. These methods included researching and choosing bait that did not pose a threat to the animals, training the turtles to eat from a targeted area and not scavenge food off the bottom, and finally, an extensive clean-up of the exhibit. Biological Programs staff and Exhibits & Design worked together to repair and patch holes, seal cracks and lay out bait with the active ingredient Dinotefuran. After only a few weeks of intensive measures, the infestation was not only controlled, but was completely eradicated while the exhibit remained open to the public with all the animals on display. Ongoing measures include targeting animals and laying out bait on a regular basis to keep the cockroach infestation under control. |