Animal Science 2 Small Animal Unit IFish Amphibians

Animal Science 2 -Small Animal Unit I-Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles

Species/Breeds of Fish • Egg laying fish – – Koi Goldfish Betas Tetras – Barbs – Catfish – Chinese Algae Eater Headstanders

Koi • Member of the goldfish family used in cold water aquariums • Prefer water temperatures between 3268˚F • Moved to outside pools once they reach 5” in length and may grow to 3’ in a pool of adequate size • Occupy all levels of the pool or aquarium

Koi • Colors range from yellow or orange to multi-colors of blue, white, and red

Goldfish • Very popular first fish for many children • Hardy and easy to keep freshwater fish that prefers pools or cold water aquariums • Prefer a temperature range of 32 -68˚F • Can live in various types of water as long as water is kept clean

Goldfish

Betas • Freshwater fish that are very aggressive • Frequently kept alone as a specimen fish in a species-only aquarium • Males must never be put in the same aquarium • One or two females may be put in a community aquarium but it may affect their coloration • Prefer a temperature range of 80˚F ± 3˚

Betas Male Beta Female Beta

Tetras • Easy to medium care ornamental fish that prefer soft water that is slightly acidic • A very sociable fish that does well in community aquariums • Average 1 ½-3” in length • One species is the neon

Tetras

Barbs • Freshwater fish • • that like water 7377˚ F Occupy lower levels and average 2 -4” in length Eat all types of food

Catfish • Grown as ornamentals including the upside -down catfish, glass catfish, and electric catfish • Prefer their water temperature to be 7080˚ F

Chinese Algae Eater • Soaking loach that grows up to 10” long when the aquarium size permits • Large, fleshy lips that can cling to vegetation, rocks or the sides of a glass aquarium • Good community fish and feed off algae • Prefer a water temperature of 70 -80˚F

Chinese Algae Eater

Headstanders • Grow 3 -5” long and are known for the way they position themselves vertically with their head down while at rest • Middle to bottom dwellers that are excellent in community aquariums • Prefer a temperature of 79˚F

Headstander

Livebearing fish • Give birth to live young • Live in shoals or groups of five or more – Guppies – Swordtails – Mollies – Platys

Guppies • Most popular • Varieties only differ in shapes of their fins and tails • Prefer water temperatures 68 -75˚F • May average giving birth to 50 young, but adults may try to eat the young fry

Guppies

Swordtails • Known for its long sword-like caudal fin • Like environment similar to guppies • Average 3 -4 ¾” long • Prefer water temperatures 68 -70˚F

Mollies • Most species are black and differ only in the size of their fins • Prefer water temperatures 72 -82˚F • Dwell in large groups or schools • Have problems with large fins (may grow so large that swimming is difficult)

Mollies

Platys • Very popular • Average only 2 ½” in length • Prefer water temperature 68 -77˚F

Saltwater Breeds • Live in saltwater and require the addition of sodium chloride (salt) to create a marine environment • Most of these ornamental fish lay eggs – Angelfish – Butterfly fish – Brasslets – Clown fish – Sergeant Major

Angelfish • Some can live in freshwater • Delicate in appearance, but are very hardy • Eggs are carried in the parent’s mouth and placed either in foliage or sand as part of the incubation process • Prefer water temperature of 77 -86˚F

Angelfish

Butterfly Fish • Beautiful and very popular marine fish • Need lots of space because they are territorial and need to be separated from other butterfly fish • Prefer water temperature of 75 -82˚F

Butterfly Fish

Brasslets • Small, popular, colorful fish for marine aquariums • Royal gamma is the suggested brasslet for beginner marine aquarists • Mix well with other species, but must be isolated from their own due to aggressive nature • Eat a diet of brine shrimp • Prefer water temperatures 79 -82˚F

Clown Fish • Orange in color with three white bands encircling the body • Each white band & fins are edged in black • Known for their ability to live around the tentacles of the sea anemone in a mutually beneficial relationship known as symbiosis

Clown Fish

Sergeant Major • Marine fish that grows to 7” in length • Silver-blue in color with a yellow tinge on its body and has seven vertical dark bands on each side.

Breeds of Amphibians • Newts • Salamanders • Frogs • Toads

Newts and Salamanders • Range in size from a few inches to 5’ or more • Usually have four legs and long tails

Frogs and Toads • Differ in that frogs make a croaking noise, have slender, longer bodies, and moist skin while toads have a rough skin and dry appearance • True frogs include the American Bullfrog and may grow to 14” long

Frogs and Toads • American Toad is the common toad in the eastern United States • Green Tree Frog is actually a yellow-green toad with a yellow stripe running from its lower jaw back along its sides

Species of Reptiles • Boa constrictors • Garter snakes • Green anole • Skinks • Savannah Monitor • Chameleon

Boa Constrictors • Popular pets because they adjust well to captivity and tame quickly • May grow 18’ long • Like to feed on small animals, birds, fish, and eggs

Garter Snakes • Adjust well in captivity and can be tamed • Easily recognized by stripes running the length of their body • May reach 2 -3’ in length

Green Anole • An iguana that is often • • found in pet stores Reaches a length of 8” and feeds on insects Changes color from various shades of gray to brown

Skinks • Very tame and make excellent pets • Secretive and do best with leaves to burrow under • May reach 2’ in length

Savannah Monitor • A lizard that can be used as a pet • May reach sizes up to 6’ or more and become hard to handle

Common Chameleon • A true chameleon that reaches about 10” in length • Can change their colors rapidly to adapt to their surroundings

Objective 21. 02 • Discuss the physiology of fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

Terminology • Ornamental fish– Kept for their appearance (bright colors and fancy fins) – Personal appeal to people – Not usually used for food

Terminology • Tropical fish – Popular fish for aquariums that come from the warmer regions of the world

Terminology • Marine fish – Fish that are kept in salt water aquariums – Often more colorful than freshwater varieties

Terminology • Freshwater fish – Fish that are kept in a freshwater tank – Often the most popular fish for pets

Terminology • Community fish – Fish that do well in an aquarium with other fish species – Examples include: Tetras, barbs, catfish, Mollies, Platys, and Swordtails

Terminology • Species fish – Do best in an aquarium with fish of the same species – Examples: Blind Cave Fish, Piranhas, Red. Tailed Shark, Schomburgk’s Leaf Fish, Spiny eels, Killifish (one pair alone in an aquarium), Betas (alone in an aquarium)

Terminology • Gonopodium – Modification of anal fin into a tube-shaped organ in male live-bearers that provides passage for sperm packets to enter the oviduct of the female

Terminology • Live bearer – Fish that give birth to live young – Examples: guppies, Mollies, Platys, and Swordtails

Terminology • Egg layers – Fish that expel eggs from the female to be fertilized by the male – Examples: tetras, barbs, catfish, goldfish

Terminology • Shoals – Small colonies of fish – Some species prefer to live in shoals • Examples: African refin, catfish, tetras

Terminology • Spawning – The reproduction ritual where eggs are deposited and fertilized by egg laying species of fish

Terminology • Scales – Thin, bony plates that develop from and are embedded in dermis – Overlap each other and provide protection – Exposed part of the scale is covered with a thin layer of epidermis that produces a slimy mucous which protects the fish from water borne bacteria

Water/Salt Requirements • Fish must maintain proper levels of salt and water in their bodies. • Water flows from areas of weak salt solution to areas of strong salt solution by osmosis.

Water/Salt Requirements • Freshwater fish do not need to drink water because their body concentration is higher than the water • Saltwater fish have a lower concentration of salt in their bodies than in the water. Therefore, they must drink water to keep from dehydrating.

Feeding Habits • Bottom feeders (dwellers) are fish that inhabit the lower level of the aquarium and feed off the bottom. • Their mouth may be turned down or underslung and they may have barbs to help them locate food. • Example: barbs

Feeding Habits • Middle feeders (middle-water fish) primarily occupy the middle layer of the aquarium and usually have small mouths that are straight forward because they are eating feed that is straight in front of them.

Feeding Habits • Top feeders usually eat from the surface and occupy the upper levels of the aquarium. • Often, their mouths will be turned upward and they will have long streamlined bodies designed for rapid movement to help them catch insects.

Feeding Habits • Some fish, like goldfish, do not show a preference for the level of the aquarium.

Physiology of Respiration • Fish use organs called gills to breathe. • Water is drawn through the mouth by constant opening and closing of the mouth. • This forces water into the pharynx and out through gills.

Physiology of Respiration • Dissolved oxygen in water is taken into the blood and CO 2 is released into the water from the gills.

Physiology of Respiration • A few species of fish come to the surface and gulp air into their mouth. They are able to use atmospheric oxygen because part of their intestines allow for intake of oxygen. The air is then swallowed into the digestive system and taken into the blood.

Physiology of Movement • Fins-a moveable structure that allow the fish to swim and maintain balance. – Most bony fish have rayed fins that consist of webs of skin supported by bone or cartilage rods called rays. – Rays can be sharp, soft, or spiny. – Fins are very flexible.

Physiology of Movement • Most fish have at least one fin along their back (dorsal), one underside near the tail (anal), and one tail fin (caudal). – Some have a small fleshy fin located between the dorsal and caudal called an adipose fin. – Fish also have a pair of fins located behind the head called the pectoral and the pelvic located behind them.

Physiology of Amphibians • Cold blooded animals that have thin, moist skin that allows them to breathe through the skin by osmosis. • Amphibians usually live in moist environments, but location usually depends on their skin thickness. • Amphibians do not have scales.

Physiology of Amphibians • Amphibians crush their prey and swallow it whole because they do not have teeth. • They also live part of their life in water. Adult amphibians spend part or all of their life on land.

Physiology of Reptiles • Reptiles are cold blooded vertebrates that have dry, scaly skin and lungs for breathing. • Reptiles have bony skeleton scales or horny plates that cover their body. • Reptiles include crocodiles, lizards, snakes, turtles, tortoises, etc.

Physiology of Reptiles • Some give birth by laying eggs (oviparous), others retain the eggs in their body until they hatch and give birth to young (ovoviviparous), and in others their young develop in a placental sac and are born live (viviparous).

Competency 22. 00 Establish a healthy habitat for fish, amphibians, and/or reptiles.

Objective 22. 01 • Discuss major health issues related to aquarium fish, amphibians, and/or reptiles.

Signs of Disease-Fish • Strange or unusual behavior. • Floating to the surface, sinking to the bottom, or leaning to the side of the aquarium. • Fins are unusually laying flat against the body. • Rolled or closed caudal fins.

Signs of Disease-Fish • A fish is off by itself and not swimming with the school. • Appears to be in slow motion and not keeping up with the other fish. • Breathing seems faster and deeper than normal. • Fish is at the surface gasping for air.

Signs of Disease-Fish • Rubbing or scratching against objects in the aquarium. • Not interested in eating. • Belly appears caved in or unusually thin. • Belly appears bloated or swollen. • Color of fish has changed or is unusual. • Fins appear frayed.

Signs of Disease-Fish • Back and spinal column appear distorted. • Eyes are not clear, appear cloudy. • Scales are sticking out instead of flat against the body. • White spots covering body. • Protruding eyes. • Anal discharge hanging from the fish.

Parasites in Fish • White spot (Ich) – Caused by the parasitic organism Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and causes numerous white spots on the body and fins of stressed fish. – One of the most common diseases found in aquarium fish.

Parasites in Fish • Slime disease – Parasites attack skin of fish causing a large amount of mucus. – May cause death if it attacks the gills.

Parasites in Fish • Hole-in-the-head – Organism Hexsamita live under skin in muscle tissue and make tissue break down where skin opens to make fish appear to have holes.

Parasites in Fish • Velvet disease – Organism Oodinium penetrates skin cells and feed on fish

Parasites in Fish • White Fungus growth – White growth around mouth, fins, eye, and gills. – A secondary infection is usually present already.

Parasites in Fish • Flukes – Worm-like parasite that attaches to the gills and body of fish.

Parasites in Fish • Anchor worms – Adhere and burrow under scales to attack the muscles

Parasites in Fish • Fish lice – Attach to body of fish and pierce skin to discharge a poison.

Bacterial Diseases-Fish • Finrot – Where the edges of the fish’s fins start to appear frayed and ragged – Fish lose their color – Tissue between the fins breaks down

Bacterial Diseases-Fish • Mouth fungus – Caused by a bacteria which a white, tufty material appears around the mouth and white patches on the skin.

Bacterial Diseases-Fish • Neon Disease – Caused by a parasite Plistophora hyphessobryconis – This organism is found in the fish’s body tissue where it causes the production of spores which are released when it dies.

Bacterial Diseases-Fish • Tuberculosis – Causes by bacteria that invades the organs and tissues of the body

Bacterial Diseases-Fish • Pseudomonas and Aeromonas – Secondary infections in fish that are already sick – Fish will have swollen bellies, lesions, or ulcers.

Treatment of Diseases • Use of chemicals in the water with the aquarium being thoroughly cleaned before fish are returned. • Some need to be placed in a hospital tank and treated before returning to normal tank. • Most treatments can be found at the local pet store.

Prevention of Disease • Environmental Control-avoid problems in the tank – Lack of oxygen and overabundance of carbon dioxide can be readily observed when almost all of the fish are swimming near the surface gulping for air. – Incorrect water p. H—causes respiratory problems and excess mucus production.

Prevention of Disease • Environmental Control Cont’d – Chemical filtration ability reduced and ammonia build up can be observed by cloudy, murky water – Gravel filtration system pollution buildup of iron sulphite can be observed by the black color on the gravel.

Diseases-Amphibians and Reptiles • Salmonella is a bacterial disease that can be transmitted to humans. It affects the digestive tract and causes watery, green, foul-smelling diarrhea.

Diseases-Amphibians and Reptiles • Mouth Rot is a fungal disease associated with sores or open wounds in the mouth.

Diseases-Amphibians and Reptiles • Mites and ticks are external parasites that attack amphibians and reptiles. • Mites usually go undetected until there is a heavy infestation. • Symptoms include: anemia, anorexia, depression, stress, listlessness, lack of appetite, and possible death.

Objective 22. 02 • Use principles of aquarium, terrarium, and vivarium management to create a suitable environment for fish, amphibians, and/or reptiles.

Purchasing an Aquarium • Decide on tank type (glass or plastic) – Plastic is cheaper, but glass is easier to clean. – Framed tanks are more expensive than all glass and offer more support to the glass.

Purchasing an Aquarium • Tank size – Size depends on the amount you want to invest and the type (species) of fish. – Ranges from a simple Beta or goldfish bowl with a 1 gallon capacity to 10, 30, 50, or 100+ gallons. – Thickness of glass ranges from ¼” for small aquariums to 3/8” for larger aquariums.

Purchasing an Aquarium Stocking Rate for Aquariums 1 inch of fish requires a MINIMUM of: Tropical fish aquarium 10 in 2 of surface area Cold water aquarium 30 in 2 of surface area Marine aquarium 48 in 2 of surface area

Purchasing an Aquarium • For example: – An aquarium that is 24” long by 10” wide has 240 in 2 of surface area. – The tank would hold 24” of tropical fish, 8” of cold water fish, or 5” of marine fish. – One could have eight swordtails 3” long in a tropical aquarium, two goldfish 4” long in a coldwater aquarium, or two Brasslets 2. 5” long in a marine aquarium.

Purchasing an Aquarium • Shape – Depends on personal preference and species of fish you are raising. – The most common shape is rectangular, but square, spherical, etc are also common.

Purchasing an Aquarium • Species – Type of fish purchasing – Freshwater vs. saltwater

Aquarium Equipment • Power filter with an electric motor • Filtration systems remove uneaten food materials, dissolved materials, solid waste and neutralize harmful substances.

Types of Filtration Systems • Mechanical – Removal of waste by using various kinds of filtration devices – Modern systems use an external filter box

Types of Filtration Systems • Chemical – Removal of dissolved material by using a chemical process – The use of activated charcoal to soak up dissolved minerals and chemicals is the most common chemical removal process. – Activated charcoal is often part of the filter system and must be changed at regular intervals.

Types of Filtration Systems • Biological – Use bacteria to feed on toxic substances such as ammonia excreted from fish during respiration or as a result of decaying waste and food material. – Waste is changed from a harmful substance to a harmless one (nitrogen) – Dissolved oxygen in the water is also replenished.

Aquarium Equipment • Air Pumps for aeration – Water is circulated from the bottom of the tank to the surface where aeration can take place. – Compressed air (oxygen) is pumped through airstones (fused, porous glass) to break the airflow into minute bubbles.

Aquarium Equipment • Air Pumps Cont’d – As the compressed air goes into the water, it disperses carbon dioxide (aeration) – Air bubbles rising from the bottom aid in equalizing the water temperature throughout and circulating the water to the top where aeration can take place.

Aquarium Equipment • Hydrometer – For measuring salt content – GFCI electrical outlet preferred

Aquarium Equipment • Heater/Thermostat – Needed to maintain water temperature for tropical aquariums – Must be the right size (approximately 10 watts of power for each 1 ½ gallons of water

Aquarium Equipment • Thermometer – Liquid crystal thermometers that are adhesive strips that stick to the outside of the aquarium are popular

Aquarium Equipment • Other materials – Water container (for exchanging water) – Gravel or sand – Plants – Decorative stones – Hood with starter for fluorescent lights – Dip nets – Decorative materials

Aquarium Maintenance • Remove temporary hardness of water by boiling and allowing to sit prior to its use in the aquarium • Eliminate chlorine by aerating it for 12 -24 hours prior to use or allowing it to sit for 48 hours so the chlorine will evaporate.

Aquarium Maintenance • Daily Maintenance – Check heater, temperature, aeration, and filtration – Remove dead fish – Observe for any unusual behavior

Aquarium Maintenance • Weekly Maintenance – Check water level and p. H and add water and chemicals as appropriate

Aquarium Maintenance • Monthly Maintenance – 1/4 to 1/5 of the water needs to be changed every three to four weeks to provide fish a stress free environment and prolong the life of the filters – Siphon off any dead material from bottom of the aquarium. – Tend to plants and remove algae.

Aquarium Maintenance • Factors that contribute to increased ammonia and nitrates in the tank – Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom (Don’t overfeed) – Dirty filters and failure to change water monthly – Overpopulation of fish

Feeding Fish • Vary feed to prevent boredom—fish really like live food, but freeze-dried and frozen food is a good alternative • Feed fish 2 to 3 times per day • Feed only enough for the fish to eat in 3 -5 minutes. • Live foods like brine shrimp, earthworms, wood lice, and worms are treats to fish.

Feeding Fish • Commercially prepared flake foods are ideal for small fish up to 4 -5” long. Vitamins and nutrients are provided in amounts needed by the fish. • Commercially prepared pellets work well for larger fish. The type depends on the eating habit of the fish being kept.

Reptile and Amphibian Habitats • Vast differences between species, but the goal should always be to duplicate the natural environment of the pet. • Aquariums usually make the best containers. • Semi-aquatic aquariums may be made by using plexi-glass to partition the aquarium in half

Reptile and Amphibian Habitats • Vivariums should be designed to give the reptile an environment close to its actual habitat. • Reptiles are ectotherms. They do not generate body heat and must rely completely on the temperature of their environement.

Reptile and Amphibian Habitats • Reptiles need ultraviolet (UV) rays for calcium metabolism, formation of pigment, and vitamin D synthesis. – Reptiles need sunlight. – Fluorescent lights will provide UV rays as long as there is not glass between the light and the reptile. Glass filters the UV rays out.