Husbandry Abstracts
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Globs in Globes: Thinking outside the kriesel Chad L. Widmer, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Pioneering new jellyfish husbandry methods and liberal knowledge exchange have led the way toward jellies becoming a staple in many of the world’s zoos and aquariums. Kreisels are often the go-to tanks for displaying jellies, but kreisels aren’t the only tool in the shed. As it turns out some jellyfish do really well in spherical tanks resembling traditional fish bowls. Even more imaginatively, spheres can be plumbed such that the water leaves the tank through the top, cascading in gentle waves down the outsides of the tank, while the jellies remain splendidly inside. In this presentation I will take you on a transparent journey from seeing an idea for the first time in a faraway land, to bringing the concept to my new home aquarium, and refining the idea to suit. We will discuss the nuts and bolts of what has worked, what hasn’t, and where we are now in the development of the jelly-sphere. |
Care of the Endagered Copper Redorse (Moxostoma hubbsi)
at the Aquarium du Quebec Claudia Coulombe, Aquarium du Quebec Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The range of the copper redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi), a critically endangered species of Catostomidae, is limited within a few rivers of the province of Quebec, Canada. Only a few hundred individuals are believed to be left of this species. A restoration program, involving re-stocking of hatchery produced fingerlings, was initiated by the provincial wildlife agency in collaboration with different partners including the Aquarium du Quebec. In 2009 a group of fingerlings were moved to the Aquarium for growth studies and future display as part of an educational exhibit on this conservation program. Very high mortalities, vertebral deformities and myopathy lead to the death or euthanasia of all of the fish within a year. In 2012 another group of fingerlings was obtained and a new diet and protocol was implemented. Following the detection of vertebral deformities in a few of the larger individuals the vitamin supplementation was increased (total of ~1000 IU of vitamin E and 2000mg of vitamin C per kg of food.) A decrease in the growth rate of the fish was also achieved by mimicking natural seasonal fluctuations in water temperatures. Following these changes, no new cases of scoliosis were observed and three years later a group of fingerlings are still alive and doing well. We are currently testing a pelleted diet (Vitalis, World Feeds) fed at 1% of the biomass daily as an alternative to our test diet. |
Humphead Napolean Wrasse:
Natural History and Husbandry of the Iconic Reef Giant Laura Simmons, Cairns Marine Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
“A rose by any other name…” They’ve been called many different names; Maori wrasse, humphead wrasse, giant wrasse, Napoleon wrasse, Wally, but whatever the name, Cheilinus undulatus is undeniably one of the most spectacular and beloved fishes in the ocean. In aquaria, they are equally admired and are quite possibly the perfect fish; a beautiful, intelligent, showy and impressive creature that can inspire personal connections with any guest that encounters them. This bond forms a lasting platform to engender a conservation ethos that few other species can achieve. Is there potential to breed this species in captivity in public aquaria? In order to better understand these amazing fish, it’s important to consider and know more about their day to day lives on the reef. This presentation will reveal some of the unique and little known habits, hang-outs and habitats of this species, from what they eat and where they sleep to how they socialize and reproduce. There will be exclusive video footage of wild spawning aggregations as well as sneak peaks into the homes and holes of humphead Napoleon wrasse amongst the coral habitats of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. In addition to their natural history, the presentation will also share how these large wrasses make their way to public aquaria; including how they are collected, handled and treated before being transported to various locations around the world. This presentation will advance the knowledge about the wild lifestyles of these incredible animals. It will educate aquarists about their best post collection care in hopes that husbandry and display of these iconic reef giants in public aquaria continues to improve. |
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Spinal Injuries in Green Moray Eels Emily F. Christiansen, North Carolina Aquariums Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Green moray eels are common display animals in public aquaria, especially in large marine exhibits. Due to long spinal columns and a tendency to inhabit caves and tunnels where movements are restricted, they may be particularly prone to spinal injuries. We report 3 cases of spinal injuries in captive eels with very different presentations and outcomes. Case 1 showed acute onset of discoloration and necrosis of the distal tail that progressed over several days, eventually resulting in amputation. Initially, the cause of the necrosis was unclear, but radiographs several years later showed a proliferative bony lesion of the spine consistent with a prior fracture just cranial to the amputation site. The eel recovered well, and is thriving 5 years later. Case 2 exhibited a slower development of an abnormal curve to the cranial body and limited swimming behavior. Radiographs and CT scan indicated compression of several cervical vertebrae cranial to the swim bladder. The eel was treated with Adequan® and cold laser therapy with substantial improvement. Over approximately 2 years, it developed recurrent swim bladder over inflation and positive buoyancy and was eventually euthanized. Case 3 presented with respiratory distress and evidence of acute blood loss into the coelomic cavity, with internal trauma initially suspected. Radiographs showed a compressive spinal lesion affecting several vertebrae adjacent to the swim bladder, and neurologic function in the caudal body was abnormal. This eel partially responded to supportive care and steroid therapy, but did not fully recover and died following approximately 6 months of treatment. |
Individualized symbol based
target training of five yellow stingrays (Urobatis jamaicensis) Jonathan Dinman, Oregon Coast Community College Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
A long-term training regimen for the five yellow stingrays (Urobatis jamaicensis) in the Aquarium Science Program facility’s 2,500-gallon tropical elasmobranch holding system was initiated in October 2015. Five unique shapes on PVC poles are being utilized to target train the stingrays, with the end-goal of target recognition independent of the animal’s location in the tank. In the project’s early stages, the stingrays associate the presence of targets with the occurrence of a feeding session, but not food distribution. This long-term training regimen will help alleviate aggressive behaviors that the stingrays display during feeding sessions, and assist in the record keeping of each individual animal. Individualized target training is discussed and compared to generalized target training, which is being conducted on four catsharks and long tail carpet sharks in a tank also a part of the system. |