Propagation Abstracts
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Project Coral - Captive broadcast coral reproductive research at the Horniman Museum & Gardens Michelle Davis, The Horniman Museum & Gardens Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
In 2013 the Horniman Museum & Gardens became the first institution globally to predictably and purposefully induce broadcast coral spawning events in captivity. Reacting to this achievement the museum official founded Project Coral, an umbrella, multiyear coral reproductive research project with two broad aims. • To understand how climate change affects the ability of broadcast corals to reproduce. • To develop techniques to enable the sexual reproduction of corals in captivity to facilitate the sustainable aquaculture of coral. Utilising two microprocessor controlled coral research systems at the museum a number of experiments, in collaboration with our partners are being conducted. Each experiment is / will focus on a specific area of coral reproduction and will contribute significantly to our understanding of the larger aims of Project Coral. In the initial stages protocols will be developed to reliably induce spawning events. These will then provide the foundations for more direct environmentally relevant research investigating the impacts of climate change on broadcast and brooding coral reproduction and our understanding of coral reef resilience. |
Mating, birth, larval development and settlement of Bargibant’s pygmy seahorse, Hippocampus bargibanti (Whitley, 1970),
in aquaria Matt Wandell and Richard Ross, California Academy of Sciences Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Pygmy seahorses are among the most charismatic inhabitants of coral reefs. Their diminutive size, impressive coloration and rarity make them attractive to recreational divers, underwater photographers and videographers. However, very little is known about their life history and ecology due to their relatively recent discovery and the difficulty of studying them in the wild. In May of 2014, Steinhart staff successfully collected a mated adult pair of Hippocampus bargibanti (Whitley, 1970) from the Anilao region of the Philippines. These were subsequently transported to Steinhart Aquarium, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco in order to conduct research on their husbandry and life-history. The pair of seahorses mated in their aquarium and gave birth to three broods of larvae. A portion of these were raised through settlement to a maximum of 120 days from birth. This presentation will describe the collection, transport, and husbandry of the adult seahorses, as well as larval husbandry, process of host coral selection, settlement, and associated color change of juveniles. The results of this study mark the first time that a pygmy seahorse species has been bred and reared in captivity, offering opportunities to study brood size, gestation period, growth rate, host selection and settlement. Despite our successes, we were unable to raise the juveniles beyond 22.2 mm SL, which was 73% of the maximum size of the adults collected (30.5 mm SL), indicating a need for additional study of their feeding and nutritional requirements post-settlement. |
The New Seadragon Propagation Program at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Leslee Matsushige, Birch Aquarium at Scripps Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The Birch Aquarium at Scripps has a long history of working with seahorses and other syngnathids since 1994. These charismatic animals have become important ambassadors to emphasize conservation of fragile marine habitats. The popularity of weedy and leafy sea dragons in aquariums prompted us to initiate a propagation program for sea dragons in 2013. Our sea dragon propagation program involves many aspects to ultimately attain success. These are the questions we asked ourselves: What would be an appropriate sea dragon propagation space? What type of life support would we need? What should the proper nutrition and feeding regime be? How will we be able to observe behaviors? Would our visitors have access to see these sea dragons? What about possible inbreeding? These questions and more will be discussed. How we moved forward and the current developments with our sea dragon propagation program will be presented. |
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Alternative Methods in Strobilating Aurelia aurita Josh Wagner, Aquarium of the Pacific Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Strobilation is the metamorphosis from schyphistoma to strobila in schyphozoan jellyfish. In nature this is induced by abiotic factors such as fluctuations in temperature, pH, and salinity. In a controlled setting, changing temperature is the most common method for inducing strobilation. This, however, may not always work. Lugol's solution which is a combination of elemental iodine and potassium iodide has been used historically in public aquariums to strobilate schyphozoan jellies. Recent changes in laws regarding iodine have made obtaining Lugol's solution more difficult. I tested the effectiveness of more common forms of iodine against a drug known as 5-Methoxy-2-methylindole. 5-Methoxy-2-methylindole gave more consistent results by strobilating polyps of Aurelia aurita due to its structural similarity to the protein CL390 which is thought to be a strobilation inducer in that species. |
The Frugal Rotifer Reactor: Raising Rotifers on a Budget Mako Fukuwa and Chris Okamoto, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Brachionus plicatilis (or L Type Rotifers) are commonly used as live foods for corals, sea jellies and hatchling fish. Keeping a large culture going for any length of time is often a challenging experience. Over the years the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has gone through many trials and tribulations while raising rotifers and hope to share some techniques that will save you time and money. We can reliably expect to harvest approximately 30 million rotifers for a paltry $1.25 per day using yeast as a main food source and supplemented with algae paste. Looking for a smaller alternative to a large rotifer reactor? We will also share with you our 70 liter DIY rotifer reactor build. |
Bigfin reef squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) display and culture
through multiple generations Bret Grasse, Monterey Bay Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
In the aquarium industry, displaying cephalopod species can be both challenging and rewarding. Some cephalopod species are more suited for captive conditions than others because of their biological and environmental requirements. Squid display can be particularly challenging due to their short life span, high metabolism, cannibalistic tendencies, and paralarval sensitivity in culture. Although most squid species have been problematic to culture and keep in captivity, bigfin reef squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) are an exception. Here we examine enclosure design, egg care, feeding strategies, and shipping considerations for successful bigfin reef squid display and culture through multiple generations. |
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“Are You My Daddy?”:
A Closer Look at Parthenogenesis and Artificial Insemination in Zebra Sharks (Stegostoma fasciatum) Lisa Larkin, Aquarium of the Pacific Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
For the last three years, the Aquarium of the Pacific, in Long Beach, CA has been raising zebra shark pups (Stegostoma fasciatum). Although there is one sexually mature male at the facility, genetic testing has revealed that all pups are the result of parthenogenesis. Since parthenogenesis decreases genetic diversity in captive populations, the vet staff at the Aquarium of the Pacific, led by Dr. Lance Adams, developed a technique to artificially inseminate zebra sharks. This procedure successfully produced two healthy zebra shark pups. During this presentation, I will discuss the different environments/exhibits in which parthenogenesis has occurred. In addition, I will present data collected from eggs, unborn neonates, and pups, as well as suspected genetic deformities found in nine parthenogenetic pups. Lastly, I will describe physical differences between parthenogenetic pups and artificially inseminated pups. |
The First Successful Captive Breeding of Common Shovelnose Rays (Glaucostegus typus) Josh Frey Sr. & Kari McKeehan, Downtown Aquarium Houston Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The Common Shovelnose Ray, Glaucostegus typus, is a species of guitarfish native to Australia and the Indo-Pacific. The species is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN due to overfishing, bycatch and habitat destruction. The Downtown Aquarium in Houston, TX houses 2.1 adult common shovelnose rays. In October 2013, the female gave birth to 11 premature stillborn pups. This represented the first documented captive breeding of the species. One year later, in October 2014, she gave birth again, this time to 17 live pups. This presentation will discuss care of the adults, the birthing event, care of the pups and future research. |
The use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies in breeding programs for elasmobranchs in aquaria
Dr Robert Jones, The Aquarium Vet, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Despite the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) in terrestrial and aquatic species, very little work has been done with elasmobranchs. ARTs such as sperm collection and quality assessment, sperm cryopreservation, artificial insemination, and monitoring female reproductive condition and gestation could potentially be used to complement existing breeding programs for elasmobranchs in aquaria. As a greater emphasis is placed on self-sustaining aquarium populations, ARTs will become an increasingly important component of breeding programs for elasmobranchs in aquaria. Ongoing research at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, Australia, since 2004 aims to create a basis for future use of ARTs in elasmobranchs in aquaria worldwide. This is to ensure sustainable captive populations of elasmobranchs, as well as having the potential for conservation of species in the future. The achievements to date as well as future areas of research will be discussed. |