Advances in Invertebrates Abstracts
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Culturing and Maintaining Jellyfish in Captivity: An Evolution of the Techniques Demonstrated with the Culture of Chrysaora fuscescens Marie‐Lyne Deshaies, Aquarium du Quebec Full Abstract
Jellyfish aquarists know how developing expertise in their field goes mainly by using a trial and error approach. The Aquarium du Québec has eleven tanks exclusively reserved for the display of jellies since the opening of a new building in 2012. This presentation is an overview of the lessons learned over the past six years. The team is now reproducing and maintaining seven different species all year round. The focus here is on the culture of C. Fuscescens because it allows observing the responses to changes over a single generation. In order to be successful, the Aquarium developed specific equipment and used different iodide solutions. Moreover, a proper feeding schedule with enrichment including SELCO and “Gel diet’’ was really a game‐changer. The evolution of the techniques enabled to develop a team with expertise, creativity and methodological skills. With good established practices, it is possible to display great cultured jellyfish exhibits. |
The Use of Visible Implant Elastomer (VIE) Tags in Jellyfish Rachel Stein, The Maritime Aquarium Full Abstract
As recordkeeping practices improves amongst zoos and aquariums, it is becoming increasingly important to develop reliable methods to identify and track animals across all taxa. Gelatinous zooplankton are particularly difficult to tag due to the aqueous composition of their tissues. Although methods have been developed for tagging larger jellies with radio tags in the field, there are no known methods for identifying and tracking smaller individuals in aquariums. We tested visible implant elastomer (VIE) tags on Aurelia aurita medusae ranging from 2.5 to 16 cm bell diameter. Tags were retained for 5 month and counting, did not cause significant deformities in the animals, and inspired additional research projects by staff. To our knowledge this presentation documents the first time VIE tags have been used in jellies at a zoo or aquarium, and reveals a new tool for record keeping, research, and monitoring the success of jelly culture and care. |
Aiptasia Anemones: An Overlooked and Cost‐effective Invertebrate Enrichment Sara Stevens, Butterfly Pavilion Full Abstract
Dermasterias imbricata (Leather star) is a species housed by numerous zoos and aquariums around the world. Aiptasia spp. are pests that any aquarist can grow in almost any system. Put them together and you get unparalleled leather star enrichment. After initiating several feeding trials it was found that leather stars consistently preferred the pest anemones when presented with a choice of aiptasia spp. to standard diet items. Quantitative analysis for speed of movement and duration of foraging behavior allowed for measurement of sea star engagement with the new enrichment item. In conclusion, this dietary experimentation found a cost-effective and sustainably-sourced enrichment and nutritional supplement for leather star that most facilities can easily reproduce without breaking the bank. |