Opening Presentation Abstracts
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History of RAW Pete Mohan, Akron Zoological Park Full Abstract
No Abstract |
Chambering the Chambered Nautilus: Raising Nautilus pompilius hatchlings in pressure chambers Ellen Umeda, Monterey Bay Aquarium Full Abstract
Chambered nautilus eggs have never been found in the wild and rarely hatch out in public aquariums. As a result, determining the appropriate parameters for a sustainable culture has proved challenging. In the wild, nautiluses live at depth under high pressure. This pressure at depth likely influences the rate and development of new chambers in the shell of a nautilus. The Monterey Bay Aquarium built pressure chambers to examine the life span of nautilus hatchlings when kept under pressure. In addition, we hatched eggs and raised hatchlings at various temperatures to examine the effects on hatch rate and life span. In total, the Monterey Bay Aquarium hatched out 16 hatchlings with the longest living 167 days. Although our results remain inconclusive, we expanded our nautilus culturing knowledge and created a foundation for new ideas and methods moving forward. |
Behavioral Complexity in Cephalopods (and I’m not talking octopus…) Gregory Barord, Central Campus and Save the Nautilus Full Abstract
The behavioral plasticity of nautiluses (Family Nautilidae) is so simply, complex that it has been overshadowed by its more conspicuous coleoid cousins. Leaving aside the mind‐boggling complex ability to adjust its internal atmospheric pressure as it jets through the water column, recent behavioral observations have started to show nautiluses as something more than a dumb octopus in a shell. A population of nautiluses surveyed in Palau displayed behaviors not observed previously which suggests a flexible repertoire of behaviors available, depending on the conditions. And that these behaviors may be shifted over the course of just a couple of generations. Currently, husbandry and management are relatively similar for all nautilus populations. I propose that we change this way of thinking to improve husbandry practices and development management strategies that result in sustained sustainability. |
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Utilization of advanced diagnostic imaging in a zebra shark (Stegostoma fasciatum)
Katie Seeley, The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Full Abstract
Elasmobranchs are popular exhibit animals in both aquaria and zoological institutions and serve a vital role as ambassadors for their wild counterparts. Many of the standard diagnostic tools used in veterinary medicine can be difficult to apply to aquatic species and require modifications for the aquatic environment. The use of advanced diagnostics imaging, specifically computed tomography (CT), has become more commonplace and serves as an important tool when ultrasounds and radiographs are insufficient. A 15 year old female zebra shark (Stegostoma fasciatum) presented with a distended abdomen. Ultrasound showed evidence of eggs, but there were areas of concern within the liver tissue. With careful planning and logistical input from the husbandry and veterinary team a CT was performed which provided essential information and allowed for appropriate clinical management of the shark. This case illustrates that with creativity and forethought CT can be safely utilized in aquatic species. |