Husbandry Techniques 2
Abstracts
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Stripes to Spots: A year with Stegostoma Pups”
Jelani Reynolds Seaworld Orlando Full Abstract
Seaworld Orlando introduced a male Stegostoma into the main tank of the Manta Aquarium in September 2021. The first viable eggs were observed in October 2021. 61 eggs were laid in a 5-month period. After an average of 140 days 24 eggs hatched which gave us a hatch rate of 39% overall, 77% of “wigglers”. Once eggs began hatching, we split the population between two systems in two different areas of the park. This gave us the opportunity to use two different methods to see which was more successful. There were also major differences in habitat: nitrates, sterilization, and population density. We were able to compare behavioral observations and dietary preferences between the two populations. A subset of the population was chosen for a monthly bloodwork study up to one year of age. This helped us establish baselines for different ages and individuals. Having a large population allowed us to treat each shark as an individual and adjust their care based on their needs. It also gave us an opportunity to discover potential developmental milestones as the pups grew. Contributing the knowledge gained to the industry can not only increase desirable outcomes when raising Stegostoma neonates and juveniles but can also contribute to the welfare of juveniles of other shark species. |
A Baby Boom Caroline Cox Aquarium at the Boardwalk Full Abstract
Yellow Stingrays (Urobatis jamaicensis), Blue-Spotted Ribbontail Rays (Taeniura Lymma), and Blue-Spotted Maskrays (Neotrygon kuhlii) are popular animals in zoos and aquariums due to their small size and docile nature, making them high demand species. Since March 2021, the Aquarium at the Boardwalk in Branson, MO (est. November 2020) has had much success in the reproduction and rearing of these species, with 44 pups finding new homes in facilities across 13 different states. While there have been many exciting and joyous moments to raising so many pups, there have also been many challenging ones too. Our dedication to the survival of these juvenile rays has led to their success from the moment they are born to when they go to their new homes. I am excited to share about our breeding program and hands-on care through the first months of life and to discuss their first 72 hours, diets and assist feedings, observed trends in weight gains and losses, and unique circumstances behind mortalities. |
How to Raise Your Dragons Mallory Haskell Greater Cleveland Aquarium Full Abstract
The Greater Cleveland Aquarium has celebrated a milestone that few aquariums around the world have achieved, breeding and raising Weedy Sea Dragons, Phyllopteryx taeniolatus. On January 23, 2020 we had a successful egg transfer, in our collection of 1.2.0 Weedy Sea Dragons. The egg development was a slower process than expected with only a few hatchlings that survived less than one week. This prompted a lot of literature research and adjustments to the light and temperature cycles in hopes of getting a second chance. On September 5, 2021 we had a second successful egg transfer. We began preparation of the holding tank and live food options for once the fry were born. Seventeen of the hatchlings have successfully grown past the one-year mark. To date we have been able to surplus eight individuals to other Aquariums, and we have nine 1+year old hatchlings on exhibit with the three adults at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. We are dedicated to sharing the lessons learned and successes to the industry, and presenting at RAW to peers will further the progress of husbandry practices for this species. |
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My Little Paly: Friendship is Toxic Adam Atlas Aquarium of the Pacific Full Abstract
The genus Palythoa, Protopalythoa, and certain species of Zoanthus possess an extremely potent neurotoxin called palytoxin (PTX). PTX functions by preventing the pumping of sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane, resulting in cell death. There is no direct cure that currently exists for PTX poisoning (palytoxicosis). In aquariums, palytoxicosis most commonly occurs when aquarists attempt to improperly dispose of Palythoas. There are often multiple reasons for the removal of Palythoa from a marine system, such as keep the highly competitive Palythoa colonies under control and freeing up space for more desirable coral colonies. However, removing and disposing of Palythoas must be done with extreme care, to prevent PTX poisoning of both an individual and the system. At the Aquarium of the Pacific, a standard operating procedure that allows the partial or full removal of Palythoa colonies in an exhibit from the surface or on scuba has been developed. The methodology has proven highly effective and safe for the aquarist staff and the other exhibit animals. |
Trials in the production of Catostylus tagi (Haeckel, 1869)
Hugo Batista Oceanário de Lisboa Full Abstract
Over the years the understanding about jellyfish production has increased. Much of this knowledge has been enhanced due to research and information sharing in a collaborative work between public aquariums. However, there are still many species of jellyfish whose life cycle and production process are yet unknown. One of these species is Catostylus tagi, the only member of the family Catostylidae that is found in Europe. Oceanário de Lisboa, in partnership with research institutions, carried out a scientific work on the reproduction of this species with specimens captured in the Tagus estuary (Portugal). It was observed that Catostylus tagi has the typical Rhizostomida metagenetic life cycle. Male and female gonads were identified and extracted. Gametes from both gonads were mixed and planulae were collected after 48h. Trials were conducted to evaluate the influence of different temperatures and salinity on planulae settlement survival and metamorphosis and, the influence of temperature and diet on asexual reproduction. It was observed asexual reproduction of the scyphistoma only by podocysts. Two temperatures (15oC and 20oC) and a feeding regime (Brachionus plicatilis, Artemia nauplii an Unfed) were tested to evaluate the influence on asexual reproduction. No significant differences were found. Strobilation occurred with better results with polyps kept at 20oC fed with Brachionus plicatilis and Artemia nauplii. Transition from ephyra to fully developed juveniles occurred in 5 months. More work must be conducted to improve the production of this species, but these first trials show that it ́s possible to obtain animals by asexual reproduction in a controlled environment. |