Medical Abstracts
Stress and its Effects on Fish (including Mycobacteria) Dr. Robert Jones, The Aquarium Vet Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Fish welfare is an increasingly important subject. We need to understand what it is and why it is so important to be concerned about the welfare of the fish under our care. Fish experience stress for a variety of reasons. What is stress? What are the factors that cause stress? We will examine the physiologic basis of the stress response in fish. Fish that are under stress become immunocompromised (via the HPI axis) which is then a major contributor to disease and death in aquatic animals. Stress leads to an increased incidence in Mycobacteria. |
Characterization of microbial communities in cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii)
through rehabilitation Kerry McNally; Jennifer Bowen, PhD; Charles Innis, VMD, DABVP, University of Massachusetts, Northeastern University, New England Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Microbial communities play a role in the health of animals, including across disease states and immunocompromised conditions. Characterizing these communities, or the microbiome, is important to understanding the effects of captive environments and exposure to antibiotic therapy. This study evaluates the changes in the oral and cloacal microbiome of cold-stunned, or hypothermic, Kemp’s ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) during rehabilitation at the New England Aquarium (NEAq). Twenty-six stranded turtles had oral and cloacal swabs collected up to five time points from admission at NEAq to convalescence. High-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed alterations in the microbial community as a result of the rehabilitation setting as well as from antibiotic therapies. This study not only provided the first characterization of microbial communities in the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, but also highlights the effects of a captive environment and drug exposure on wild animals. |
Collection, handling and initial captive husbandry of Sphyrna lewini (scalloped hammerhead shark) from Queensland, Australia Laura R. Simmons, Cairns Marine Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Hammerhead sharks are the world’s most recognizable shark family; their head shape is unmistakable. Only a few species of hammerheads have been successfully displayed in aquaria and in recent years Sphyrna lewini, a CITES Appendix II listed species, has proven to be a species that can thrive in aquaria and enhance exhibits with their uniqueness and popularity. Adult S. lewini are capable of being collected and introduced for display but sub-adult specimens are better candidates for transportation and acclimation, and in-turn, most adaptable to new and existing aquarium habitats. Because hammerhead shark populations are threatened and declining globally, they should only be sourced from fisheries with strong management practices and demonstrably robust, sustainable populations, like the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The method in which S. lewini are collected is unique, requiring specific collection gear, handling and treatment. Successful initial captive husbandry of S. lewini includes excellent water quality, minimal prophylaxis, a varied and extensive diet, as well as a relatively large holding aquarium size. Although fast growing as juveniles, the average time in holding prior to being strong and sizable enough to transport is 2-4 months; their initial collection method and husbandry being paramount to success. S. lewini have only been displayed in aquaria for a relatively short time, recent 5-10 years, and in only a small number of aquaria, so mature groups have not yet been achieved. Given hammerheads' global wild population status, their protection via strong fisheries management must be supported. It is important for public aquaria to continue working with S. lewini into the future to advance husbandry knowledge, create stable, mature populations in aquariums and lead to captive breeding success. |
Applying vertebrate concepts to invertebrates for long-term health and conservation Meghan Holst, Oregon Coast Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Facilities operating under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) guidelines meet specific standards on physiological, nutritional and environmental needs for vertebrate animal husbandry. However, expanding these standards for invertebrates is still underdeveloped. While AZA is gradually increasing the production of invertebrate manuals, it is important that aquariums advance this effort by more thoroughly assessing invertebrate health and behavior. The Oregon Coast Aquarium has recently increased evaluation of invertebrate health in Macrocheira kaempferi, Enteroctopus dofleini, Pisaster ochraceus, and Patiria miniata via blood analysis and behavioral matrices. This novel data creates baselines of behavior and blood chemistry that aids in more definitive etiology for outbreaks (e.g. Sea Star Wasting Syndrome), provides unbiased understanding of invertebrate behavior (e.g. octopus senescence), and allows for comprehensive evaluation of husbandry practices. Data collected under this study provides templates and discussion for AZA facilities to take necessary steps towards improved invertebrate husbandry and conservation. |
Building a Horseshoe Crab
Health Crystal Ball: Tracking Limulus polyphemus Hemolymph Cell Counts and Chemistry Profiles from Acquisition through Managed Care Pilar J. Nelson, Jill E. Arnold, Catherine A. Hadfield, Leigh A. Clayton, National Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
As part of a commitment to improve the health of horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) under managed care, techniques were developed to monitor cell counts and hemolymph chemistry values. Hemolymph was analyzed from 22 horseshoe crabs obtained from Delaware Bay and subsequently maintained at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Hemocyte counts and 23 biochemical parameters were measured in hemolymph samples collected at multiple time points; acquisition, exiting quarantine, and subsequent 4-6 month intervals. Changes through time were observed in hemocyte numbers, electrolytes, lipase, and triglycerides. In addition to monitoring cell counts and chemistry values over time, data collected from study crabs that died provide an opportunity to evaluate differences between sick and presumed healthy animals and identify potential key health indicators, like copper, protein, and glucose. As reference data for this species is limited, the results should help in assessing horseshoe crab health as well as evaluating responses to husbandry changes. |
Full Abstract
A good necropsy technique is an essential tool in any successful aquarist’s toolkit. A well- developed and consistent necropsy technique will assist in making many diagnoses (it is one of the six steps in making a diagnosis). We will go through an entire necropsy procedure and also look at the value of wet preparations (both external and internal). |
The Aquarium of the Pacific
experiments with acid, a large scale sterilization procedure Josh Wagner, Aquarium of the Pacific Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Spirorbid worms are tiny species of polychaete worms that are ubiquitous among marine aquarium displays. In exhibits housing gelatinous zooplankton, spirorbids can cause damage to the animals’ fragile bodies. This past year the Aquarium of the Pacific decided to eradicate spirorbid worms in a large jelly system using a new method involving hydrochloric acid. By running hydrochloric acid through the life support system and pipes of the Northern jellies system staff members were able to eradicate 100 percent of the population. Since completing this treatment, staff members have experimented with hydrochloric acid on common aquarium surfaces in order to determine if it can be used on fish exhibits containing artificial rocks, algae, acrylic, etc. This poster will display the results from these experiments. |
CHLOROQUINE PHOSPHATE AND PRAZIQUANTAL AS A MEANS TO
ERADICATE Decacoytle floridana IN SPOTTED EAGLE RAYS Kelly Sowers, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
In an effort to maintain life expectancy and animal health in a managed care environment for spotted eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari), a new approach for treating a common monogenean, Decacoytle floridana, was implemented. Praziquantal and chloroquine phosphate have both been used in marine systems for a variety of parasites. By utilizing these two chemical treatments in tandem, the eradication of the target monogeneans was apparently achieved. The positive results achieved with this method can lead to improved health conditions of managed spotted eagle ray collections in the future. |