Saltwater Aquaria Research Articles

The Complete Genome Sequences of 7 Hypoplectrus species (Serranidae, Perciformes).

Species in the genus Hypoplectrus are found primarily in coral reefs in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, particularly around Florida and the Bahamas. They are a popular choice for hobbyist saltwater aquariums. Members of this genus are simultaneous hermaphrodites, as they have both male and female sexual organs at the same time as an adult. We present the genome sequences of 7 species of Hypoplectrus. Raw read data and assembled genomes are available in Genbank.

A comparison of the detection and quantification of praziquantel via electrochemical and gas chromatography methods in freshwater and saltwater samples.

Two new techniques for analyzing praziquantel (PZQ), an effective antiparasitic drug used in fresh and saltwater aquariums, were optimized and compared. One method was based on voltammetry and the other method used gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), although both procedures utilized the same sample pretreatment strategy which involved the PZQ being quantitatively transferred into acetonitrile using solid phase extraction. GC-MS analysis led to lower limits of detection (0.32 μM, 0.10 ppm) and quantification (0.72 μM, 0.22 ppm) compared to voltammetry, although both methods gave acceptable quantification for levels of PZQ > 25 μM (7.8 ppm). GC-MS is preferred for the most accurate determination, but voltammetry may provide a cost-effective alternative for detecting PZQ where on site testing is required.

4-H Marine Aquarium Project Book: Youth Project Guide to Starting and Maintaining a Saltwater Aquarium System

A UF/IFAS numbered publication.

Development of Artificial Live Rock in Supporting Ornamental Coral Cultivation Activities

Artificial live rock is an artificial live rock that is shaped like living rock in nature. Artificial live rock is designed to mimic natural living rock which is capable of being a substrate for corals, a habitat for epibenthic and the biological filter of a saltwater aquarium. The purpose of this research is to know the technique of making artificial live rock and the development of artificial live rock that are suitable for export on an export scale. The method used in this research is an experimental method with quantitative descriptive analysis. The level of suitability and product standards uses a simultaneous regression coefficient test analysis or the F test. The manufacture of artificial live rock does not have a special pattern, but artificial live rock is made as attractive as possible and resembles the shape in nature. Product standardization is carried out by using artificial live rock materials consisting of: 1 kg of pumice stone, ½ kg of cement, ½ kg of sand, 500 grams of calcium and 1.5 liters of water. The type of substrate that is good and ideal for algae on the surface of artificial live rock is an area with a bottom of coral sand mixed with coral rubble. Artificial live rock can be harvested for 3 months in water, with the characteristics of the surface of the artificial live rock covered algae which is then cleaned and placed in a treatment pond before being exported

Towards understanding microbial degradation of chloroquine in large saltwater systems

Circulating saltwater aquariums hosting marine animals contain a wide range of microorganisms, which have strong implications on promoting animal health. In this study, we investigated the degradation of chloroquine phosphate, an anti-parasitic bath pharmaceutical used in saltwater quarantine and exhibition systems, and attributed the reduction in drug concentration to microbial degradation of chloroquine associated with pipeline microbial communities. To advance our knowledge on chloroquine degradation in aquatic systems, we conducted microbial and chemical analyses on three tropical saltwater systems. Our findings show that aquarium microbiome composition is shaped by sampling location (i.e., tank water and pipeline; PERMANOVA R2 = 0.09992, p = 0.0134), chloroquine dosing (PERMANOVA R2 = 0.05700, p = 0.0030), and whether the aquarium is occupied by marine animals (PERMANOVA R2 = 0.07019, p = 0.0009). Several microbial taxa belonging to the phyla Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, and Proteobacteria, along with functional genes related to pathways such as phenylethylamine degradation and denitrification, appeared to have differential (relative) abundance between samples where chloroquine degradation was observed and those without degradation (Benjamini-Hochberg adjusted p-value <0.05). Together, these results provide practical mitigation options to prevent or delay the development of chloroquine-degrading microbial communities in saltwater aquariums. Our results further demonstrate the need to improve our understanding of the interactions between nitrogen availability and microbial activity in saltwater systems.

Reconstruction of Metagenome-Assembled Genomes from Aquaria.

ABSTRACTHere, we report 11 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) reconstructed from freshwater and saltwater aquaria, including representatives of Polynucleobacter, Anaerolinea, Roseobacter, Flavobacteriia, Octadecabacter, Mycobacterium, and Candidate Phyla Radiation (CPR) members. These MAGs can serve as a resource for aquatic research and elucidating the role of CPR taxa in the built environment.

Coral Keratitis: Case Report and Review of Mechanisms of Action, Clinical Management and Prognosis of Ocular Exposure to Palytoxin.

Palytoxin is one of the most lethal natural toxins ever discovered. This molecule has been isolated from various marine animals, including zoanthid corals. This popular organism is commonly found in many home saltwater aquariums due to its beauty and survivability. As a result of an increase in popularity, an increased number of individuals are at risk for exposure to this potentially deadly toxin. Affected patients may experience various symptoms based on the route of exposure (ie, cutaneous contact, inhalation of aerosolized toxin, ocular exposure, or ingestion). Ocular exposure can occur in various ways (eg, contact with contaminated water, rubbing the eye with a dirtied hand, or direct spraying into the eye), and incidence rates have dramatically risen in recent years. In this review, we discuss a case of systemic toxicity from inhalation and ocular exposure to presumed palytoxin on a zoanthid coral which resulted in an intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and corneal perforation which required a corneal transplant. Additionally, we review what is known about the mechanism of action of this toxin, propose a comprehensive hypothesis of its effects on corneal cells, and discuss the prognosis and clinical management of patients with systemic symptoms secondary to other routes of exposure.

Automatic Drain System in Seawater Aquarium with Fuzzy Logic Method

In seawater aquariums, seawater quality plays a very important role for the survival of the biota in it. There are measurement parameters that determine the quality of the seawater fit to be inhabited by seawater ornamental fish such as clown fish. Measurement parameters are such as temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen content (DO), pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Current technological developments make it possible to create a system that automatically conducts seawater drainage in a seawater aquarium so that the quality of the seawater remains in accordance with its measurement parameters and is fit for habitation by seawater ornamental fish such as clown fish. In this study the measurement parameters that become the reference are the temperature, pH (acidity) values obtained from the temperature sensor and the pH sensor. For normal temperatures, if the temperature is in the range of 24°C to 28°C, while for the ideal temperature is in the range of 25-27°C. For an appropriate pH in a saltwater aquarium is 7.5-8.5 with an ideal pH of 8.2. From the results of measurements made by these sensors, the value will be processed using the fuzzy logic method, then the condition of sea water quality in the aquarium can be seen from the smartphone, and when the measurement results show an inappropriate value, the system will automatically drain the water

Embryonic and early larval development of two marine angelfish, Centropyge bicolor and Centropyge bispinosa.

Marine angelfish (family: Pomacanthidae) are among the most sought-after fish species in the saltwater aquarium trade. However, there is a lack of information in the literature on their early ontogeny. The objective of this study was to describe the embryonic and early larval development of two dwarf angelfish, the bicolour angelfish, Centropyge bicolor and the coral beauty angelfish, Centropyge bispinosa. The eggs of these two species were obtained from spontaneous spawning of the broodstock fish in captivity and incubated at 26.0 ± 0.2°C throughout the study. Fertilized eggs (n = 15) of both species are transparent, pelagic and spherical; the mean diameters of the eggs were measured at 703.6 ± 7.8 μm for C. bicolor and 627.6 ± 7.8 μm for C. bispinosa. The eggs of both species possessed a narrow perivitelline space, smooth and thin chorion, a homogenous and non-segmented yolk as well as a single oil globule. Overall, the observed embryonic development pattern of C. bicolor and C. bispinosa was very similar, and the main difference was the embryonic pigmentation pattern, which only became evident close to hatching. Larvae of both species started hatching at 13 h 30 min after fertilization, and the larval characteristics of both species also showed high levels of similarities. However, the mouth opening time for C. bicolor was 72 h after hatching (AH) and 96 AH for C. bispinosa. In general, the observed early ontogeny of C. bicolor and C. bispinosa also resembled that of other Centropyge species documented in the literature.

Assembled concrete reefs as a stand for coral transplantation on the seabed

Corals are cultured as a multiplication effort to conserve the recovery of coral reef ecosystems in natural habitat or sold as ornamental biota for saltwater aquariums. Coral cultured requires a substrate for the enlargement of transplanted coral tillers, where the substrate must be in accordance with the needs and conditions of the aquatic environment. This assembled concrete reefs as a stand is designed to be resistant to the conditions of the monsoon season sea waters. Artificial reefs made of concrete designed with concrete beam where each beam has a dimension of 1 m in length, 10 cm in width and 10 cm in height are arranged in specific form so that it is easy to assemble to place on the seabed. The test results shown that this structure for 12 months on the seabed is still intact, the position of the structure has not shifted, the transplanted coral has remained attached, natural epiphytes already attached after 1 month and are attached until next 11 months.

Toxic corneal reaction due to exposure to palytoxin

A case is presented of corneal toxicity after exposure to palytoxin. A 42 year-old man came with symptoms of pain and blurred vision in his right eye. He reported that a zoanthid coral from a saltwater aquarium had squirted into his eye. Slit-lamp examination showed a prominent central ring infiltrate of 4×6mm without epithelial defect and satellite sub-epithelial micro-infiltrates. After 2 months of topical treatment with steroids, the stromal ring infiltrate was resolved, but a stromal thinning and residual fibrosis remained. Palytoxin is a potent vasoconstrictor that damages the ionic gradient of the cells, causing cell death. It is crucial to remove the toxin and start an aggressive topical therapy as soon as possible. In addition, considering the potential ocular and systemic adverse effects that this toxin can produce, it would be advisable to inform people of its existence and regulate the distribution of this type of corals.

Toxicidad corneal por exposición a palitoxina

A case is presented of corneal toxicity after exposure to palytoxin. A 42 year-old man came with symptoms of pain and blurred vision in his right eye. He reported that a zoanthid coral from a saltwater aquarium had squirted into his eye. Slit-lamp examination showed a prominent central ring infiltrate of 4×6mm without epithelial defect and satellite sub-epithelial micro-infiltrates. After 2 months of topical treatment with steroids, the stromal ring infiltrate was resolved, but a stromal thinning and residual fibrosis remained. Palytoxin is a potent vasoconstrictor that damages the ionic gradient of the cells, causing cell death. It is crucial to remove the toxin and start an aggressive topical therapy as soon as possible. In addition, considering the potential ocular and systemic adverse effects that this toxin can produce, it would be advisable to inform people of its existence and regulate the distribution of this type of corals.

Palytoxin: The danger hidden in tropical aquariums

Nature’s deadliest chemicals often come in beautiful packages. Take, for instance, the batrachotoxin harbored in the vibrant skins of poison dart frogs, or the cardiac glycosides permeating the glossy green leaves and delicate pink petals of the oleander plant. Palytoxin, which causes severe respiratory reactions, is no different. The massive molecule comes wrapped in the deceptively alluring package of an anemone-like creature related to coral. An undulating fringe beckons from the edges of flat, green, sunburst discs, hiding the deadly substance within. In May 2017, a family of seven living near Adelaide, Australia, went to the hospital after one member of the household cleaned the family’s tropical saltwater aquarium. The person reportedly removed and scrubbed some rocks or corals from the tank, presumably to remove unwanted, unattractive growths. This cleanup triggered the release of aerosolized palytoxin that caused everyone to struggle to breathe. These kinds of poisoning incidents are rare,

A Salt-Water Aquarium can be a Dangerous Hobby:A Case Report of Palytoxin Intoxication after Dermal Contact with Poisonous Coral

Palythoa toxica is a coral that is often sold to aquarium holders. It contains one of the most toxic substances known to human: palytoxin. It is important for clinicians to recognize this potential lethal intoxication. A 39 year old man presented to the Emergency Department (ED) complaining of rigors, dyspnea, dizziness, atypical chest pain, tremor, and dysarthria. Medical history taking revealed that he was a professional coral dealer. He recalled accidental dermal exposure to mucus of Palythoa toxica four hours before symptoms started. His laboratory tests showed signs of muscular and cardiac damage. He was admitted to the hospital and had a full recovery. Intoxications with palytoxin are potentially lethal. Since the Palythoa coral is often sold to new aquarium holders there is probably an underreporting of cases as many patients and doctors would not link the symptoms to coral exposure. In the setting of an emergency department, physicians should be aware of the symptoms of palytoxin intoxication, including patients with rhabdomyolysis, and ask patients with relevant symptoms about potential contact with corals.

Response of Recirculating Saltwater Aquariums to Long-Term Formalin Treatment

This study documents the degradation of formalin in saltwater recirculating systems and the response of the biological filter during a five-day 25 ppm formalin treatment regimen. A total of nine additions of formalin was administered over the course of five days. The target concentration was 25 ppm and frequent water sampling documented the degradation. Degradation rates changed over time (0.689–7.495 formalin ppm·hr -1 ) and results revealed frequent periods below therapeutic concentrations. Removal rates were not statistically different in systems with different bacterial diversity or systems with increased fish density. The results suggest the need for frequent testing and follow-up additions during treatment cycles to ensure therapeutic concentrations and prevent recurrence of pathogens.

REKAYASA SALINITAS MEDIA PEMELIHARAAN SEBAGAI UPAYA DOMESTIKASI IKAN GIRU (Amphiprion ocellaris) YANG BERASAL DARI KEPULAUAN SIMEULUE

Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is one reef fish that can be used as ornamental fish saltwater aquarium. The fish has high economic value because the color is attractive. However, this time facing the difficulty found the seeds found in nature as a result of uncontrolled harvesting, especially in the northwest district of Simeulue. The purpose of this study is a way of domestication of clownfish in a population that is almost extinct (endangered) of wild life (natural habitat) into the cultivation environment to determine the viability of a clownfish by administering salinity 32, 30, 28 and 26 ppt performed for 60 the aquariums in a container measuring 60 cm (long), 40 cm (wide) and 40 cm (high). The results showed that administration of different salinity did not significantly affect survival (p&gt;0.05), while the absolute growth rate and feed conversion showed significant results (p&lt;0.05), the value range of the absolute growth rate was ± 0.0014 to 0.00444 grams of feed conversion has a value range of ± 1,311- 5.190 grams.

Dangerous reef aquaristics: Palytoxin of a brown encrusting anemone causes toxic corneal reactions

Although frequently observed in domestic saltwater aquariums, literature on exposure to palytoxin (PTX) of encrusting anemones (Zoanthidea) kept in aquariums is rare. Handling these animals for propagation purposes or during cleaning work can lead to dermal, ocular or respiratory contact with the PTX generated by some Zoanthids. The present study describes a case of ocular exposure to liquid from a Zoanthid, which led to corneal ulcers. The patient also suffered from systemic symptoms of dyspnea and shivering and a suspected rhabdomyolysis, which required monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit. After symptomatic treatment provided insufficient results, the corneal ulcers improved with an amniotic membrane transplantation. A review of the literature regarding ocular exposures to this diverse order of Hexacorallia reveals that severe and systemic symptoms can develop with minimal contact.

First record of the numbray, Narke dipterygia (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) from Iran (Elasmobranchii: Narkidae)

As a result of our survey in February 2011, a single female specimen of N. dipterygia was found in the tidal zone of Chabahar Bay and it was caught with a small deep net. The fish was transferred in a bucket to the Fisheries Laboratory of Chabahar Maritime University and kept in a salt water aquarium for further examinations. We witnessed the birth of 6 juveniles after 3 days. The female and her juveniles were kept in the aquarium for about six months and fed with live food. After that, they died and were fixed in 96% ethanol. The female fish total length was 172.02mm and weighed 18.21g. The fry total length ranged from 49.90-56.37mm and weighed 1.14-2.1.65g. The length-weight, length-disk length, disk length-electric organ length showed high correlations (r 2 >0.85), but the relationship between electric organ width and fish weight was low (r 2 =0.33). Although this species was recorded from the Arabian Sea and western Indian Ocean, this is the first record of this species from the Iranian waters.

How can surgeonfish help pediatric surgeons? A pilot study investigating the antinociceptive effect of fish aquariums in adult volunteers.

Multiple distraction strategies have been proposed to reduce the incidence of anxiety and pain in children. Animal-assisted therapy is acknowledged and used in children as an adjunctive treatment with cognitive, physical, psychosocial and spiritual benefits. To determine the effect of fish aquarium animal-assisted therapy (FA-AAT) on pain perception in a cohort of healthy volunteers. Sixty-nine healthy subjects (mean age 27.3 years) were exposed to >20 different species of soft or hard corals and >25 fish in a 1000 L saltwater aquarium. Pain perception was assessed using an electrical stimulation device, the Pain Matcher (Cefar Medical AB, Sweden), after 5 min, 10 min, 20 min and 30 min of continuous aquarium viewing. The measurements were repeated 10 min after stopping aquarium viewing. A statistically significant pain perception threshold augmentation was observed after a 5 min aquarium viewing. This threshold augmentation was also increased after 10 min, 20 min and 30 min of FA-AAT. A remnant effect was noted up to 10 min after exposure. This short post-viewing time period could be useful in clinical practice to perform certain painful procedures in children, such as those involving needles, under improved conditions immediately after aquarium exposure. In the authors' department, FA-AAT is now used as a nonpharmacological antinociceptive technique in association with a protocol of inhalated oxygen⁄nitrous oxide mixtures for needle-related procedures. Children and parents are invited to watch the aquarium during the 10 min to 20 min before venous punctures.

Aquarium Nitrification Revisited: Thaumarchaeota Are the Dominant Ammonia Oxidizers in Freshwater Aquarium Biofilters

Ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) outnumber ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in many terrestrial and aquatic environments. Although nitrification is the primary function of aquarium biofilters, very few studies have investigated the microorganisms responsible for this process in aquaria. This study used quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to quantify the ammonia monooxygenase (amoA) and 16S rRNA genes of Bacteria and Thaumarchaeota in freshwater aquarium biofilters, in addition to assessing the diversity of AOA amoA genes by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and clone libraries. AOA were numerically dominant in 23 of 27 freshwater biofilters, and in 12 of these biofilters AOA contributed all detectable amoA genes. Eight saltwater aquaria and two commercial aquarium nitrifier supplements were included for comparison. Both thaumarchaeal and bacterial amoA genes were detected in all saltwater samples, with AOA genes outnumbering AOB genes in five of eight biofilters. Bacterial amoA genes were abundant in both supplements, but thaumarchaeal amoA and 16S rRNA genes could not be detected. For freshwater aquaria, the proportion of amoA genes from AOA relative to AOB was inversely correlated with ammonium concentration. DGGE of AOA amoA genes revealed variable diversity across samples, with nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) indicating separation of freshwater and saltwater fingerprints. Composite clone libraries of AOA amoA genes revealed distinct freshwater and saltwater clusters, as well as mixed clusters containing both freshwater and saltwater amoA gene sequences. These results reveal insight into commonplace residential biofilters and suggest that aquarium biofilters may represent valuable biofilm microcosms for future studies of AOA ecology.