The Isolation of Vibrio crassostreae and V. cyclitrophicus in Lesser-Spotted Dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) Juveniles Reared in a Public Aquarium

The genus Vibrio currently contains 147 recognized species widely distributed, including pathogens for aquatic organisms. Vibrio infections in elasmobranchs are poorly reported, often with identifications as Vibrio sp. and without detailed diagnostic insights. The purpose of this paper is the description of the isolation and identification process of Vibrio spp. following a mortality event of Scyliorhinus canicula juvenile reared in an Italian public aquarium. Following investigations aimed at excluding the presence of different pathogens of marine fish species (parasites, bacteria, Betanodavirus), several colonies were isolated and subjected to species identification using the available diagnostic techniques (a biochemical test, MALDI-TOF MS, and biomolecular analysis). Discrepancies were observed among the methods; the limits of biochemistry as a unique tool for Vibrio species determination were detected through statistical analysis. The use of the rpoB gene, as a diagnostic tool, allowed the identification of the isolates as V. crassostreae and V. cyclotrophicus. Although the pathogenic role of these microorganisms in lesser-spotted dogfish juveniles has not been demonstrated, and the presence of further pathogens cannot be excluded, this study allowed the isolation of two Vibrio species in less-studied aquatic organisms, highlighting the weaknesses and strengths of the different diagnostic methods applied.

New Records of Neobenedenia Girellae (Hargis, 1955) (Monogenea: Capsalidae) In Marine Ornamental Fish Imported To Yucatan, Mexico

We detected N. girellae infections in 40 species belonging to 12 families of imported marine ornamental fish from a public aquarium in the Mexican state of Yucatan in January 2018 to December 2020 and carried out their identification to the species level using morphological and molecular analyses. Monogeneans were corroborated morphologically and molecularly using a partial sequence of 28S (region D1–D3) ribosomal DNA and analyzed in a molecular phylogenetic context in combination with data derived from other species of N. girellae available in GenBank. The phylogenetic tree revealed that the specimen found consistently belonged to the N. girellae clade. High infection parameters were detected of N. girellae in the hosts. This identification is relevant to aquarists and aquaculturists in the Gulf of Mexico because N. girellae is considered highly pathogenic in confined fish. Clearly, this work demonstrates that the importation of ornamental fish, coupled with deficient sanitary measures (lack of quarantine areas in distribution centres) contributes to the introduction of parasites and their establishment and dispersal within Mexico.

Four new species of Heteromysis (Crustacea: Mysida) from public aquaria in Hawaii, Florida, and Western to Central Europe

Four new species of the subgenus Heteromysis (Olivemysis) were detected in material from (sub)-tropical aquaria in six public aquarium institutions around the globe. Modifications of pleopods by spines represent the strongest structural complex used for differentiation within this subgenus: male pleopods 1–4 modified in H. smithsoniana sp. nov., male pleopods 2–4 plus female pleopod 2 in H. hornimani sp. nov. and H. waikikensis sp. nov. Additional important diagnostic characters are provided by the antennulae, uropods, and telson. The male of H. sixi sp. nov. represents a very rare case within the genus Heteromysis by having only pleopod 2 modified by flagellate spines. The definition of the subgenus Olivemysis is modified in order to include H. sixi sp. nov. A summary of pleopod modifications in the genus Heteromysis and a key to the species of the subgenus Olivemysis are given. The here described new taxa more than double the number of Heteromysis species known from aquaria yet unknown in nature from three to seven.

Development of a small-scale commercial fish farm in the Ashanti Region of Ghana: a case study of Mr. Poku Gyinaye of Bosomtwi Integrated Aqualife Village.

This case study documents the development of a small-scale fish farm in an attempt to highlight the efforts of a fish farmer (Mr. Poku Gyinaye, a former Fisheries officer) to establish a commercial fish farm in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Accounts of the facilities, technology and management practices used by the farmer are described as well as his profile. The objectives of the farmer to undertake such a project were to produce fish seed for fish farmers to help them improve fish production, provide practical aquaculture training for prospective fish farmers and access to recreational fisheries for both local and foreign tourists. At the time of writing (by May 2009), Mr. Gyinaye has almost completed setting up the hatchery and has three large ponds for recreational fishing. He also has plans to start a public aquarium on the site. The main activities on his farm centre on Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus fingerling production. He intends to stock his recreational ponds with indigenous predatory fishes.

Placental and breastmilk transfer of voriconazole to offspring from pregnant and lactating bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

Fungal pneumonia is a common disease in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), including pregnant and lactating ones. Voriconazole (VRCZ) is commonly used to treat respiratory fungal infections in this species; however, it is unknown whether VRCZ is transferred via the placenta and breastmilk and whether its usage is safe in pregnant and lactating dolphins. We measured VRCZ concentrations in breastmilk and dams’, umbilical cord, and calves’ plasma samples from four dam-calf dolphin pairs in the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, Japan, treated with or without VRCZ. Three pregnant and/or lactating dams were administered VRCZ (loading dose 1.5–2.3 mg/kg, for 3 days; maintenance dose 1.5–3.1 mg/kg, every 5–18 days), twice daily, orally, without side effects in dams or calves. VRCZ was detected in two dams’ umbilical cord plasma (0.14 and 2.35 μg/ml) and in one calf's plasma (0.18 μg/ml), collected immediately after birth. Further, VRCZ was detected in breastmilk samples (maximum 13.45 μg/ml) from three VRCZ-administered dams and in plasma from three calves (maximum 7.54 μg/ml) given or nursed from VRCZ-administered dams’ breastmilk. The calves’ plasma VRCZ concentrations varied, depending on the amount of breastmilk and food consumed. VRCZ concentrations were higher in breastmilk samples than in dams’ plasma. To our knowledge, this is the first report on placental and breastmilk VRCZ transfer to offspring in bottlenose dolphins. During VRCZ medication in pregnant and lactating bottlenose dolphins, it is crucial to monitor plasma VRCZ concentrations and any side effects in dams as well as in their calves.

Eight Tips for the Theme “Data and Forecasts”

Paul was a common octopus living in a public aquarium in Germany. It became internationally known during the World Cup in 2010 when it was used to “predict” the results of football games. Paul correctly predicted all the outcomes. What animal was better than an octopus, with its eight tentacles-tips, in lending itself to introduce non-deterministic phenomena? In the chapter, teachers who want to develop the theme “data and forecasts” find eight ideas. These ideas are supported by the use of artifacts, digital tools, and web resources.