Amphibian Husbandry and Nutrition Ami Krasner NCSU-CVM Class of 2010 Goals for today • • • • • Amphibian Basics Handling Housing Environmental Control Nutrition.
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Amphibian Husbandry and Nutrition
Ami Krasner NCSU-CVM Class of 2010
Goals for today
• Amphibian Basics • Handling • Housing • Environmental Control • Nutrition
Amphibian Basics
• Ectothermic vertebrates • 3 Chambered heart • Glandular Skin • Cryptic • Scaleless
Metamorphosis
• Aquatic to land • TH dependent • Primary Changes: -Legs -Lungs -Eyes -IT -Tail (anurans) -Skin http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/art/tadpole-to-frog.gif
Metamorphosis Exceptions
• Environmental stress induction • Terrestrial egg metamorphosis http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,356774,00.html
Timeline for Metamorphosis
• Weeks to years • Species and environment dependent
Taxonomy-Three Orders
• Caudata • Anura • Gymnophiona
Caudata
• 10 families, >500 species • N./S. America, Europe, Asia • Common Pets: -
Ambystoma tigrinum
(Tiger Salmander) -
Ambystoma maculatum
(Spotted Salamander) -
Cynops pyrrhogaster
(Fire Bellied Newt) http://michaelcravens.com
Salamander vs. Newt
http://www.washingtonnh.org/ firstfriday.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/ http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/NIM/AF397~ Drop-of-Water-Posters.jpg
Salamander vs. Lizard
• Water requirements • Skin • Eggs & young
AMPHIBIAN VS. REPTILE
Anura
• 33 families, >5000 species • Worldwide* • Common Pets/Research: Xenopus spp. (African clawed frog) -Rana spp. (Leopard frog) -Dendrobates spp. (Poison arrow frog) -Hylidae family. (Tree frogs) http://www.johnelkington.com/weblog/african_clawed_frog_500w.jpg
Frog vs. Toad
http://www.isd12.org/bhe/ -Water -Skin -Leg length and power -Predators http://64.226.23.133/woodycarr/images/toad.jpg
Gymnophiona
• 6 families, 172 species • Pantropic • Not kept as pets http://farm1.static.flickr.com/149/415329423_cd21aeb1cb_o.jpg
Order Differences
• Limbs • Tails • Vision • Fertilization
Owning an amphibian
• Research and Plan!!!!!
LIBRARY!!!
• KNOW Natural History
Owning an amphibian
• Life Span: up to 55 years! • Aggressive vs. Friendly http://www.maroochy.qld.gov.au
Size-Largest
-Chinese Giant Salamander-up to 180 cm -Goliath Frog-up to 32 cm http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/gallery/2008 www.sandiegozoo.org
Size-Smallest
Smallest-
Thorius sp.
- 15 mm.
Eleutherodactylus sp.
- 10 mm http://www.state.tn.us/twra/tamp/salamanders.htm
http://www.science.psu.edu/alert/FROG.htm
Pet Trade Restrictions
• Within the U.S.: ex. African Clawed Frog • CITES listings -Appendix I= 16 spp.
~Giant Salamanders -Appendix II- 98 spp.
~Dendrobates www.cites.org
Handling Concerns-Amphibian Skin • Permeable -gloves -nicotine -cleaning supplies • Delicate • Secretion
Nicotine Toxicity
• Tadpole and hypercapnic challenge -Brain stem: ventilation -Surfacing frequency • Systemic vasodilation • Melanocyte Activation http://www.puregreen.com.au
Handling-Restraint
• Caudata Goals: -Support and comfort -Netting -MS-222 -Avoid tail and gills http:// aqualandpetsplus.com/Amphibian,%20Salamander.htm
Handling-Restraint
• Anura Goals: -Support and comfort -Netting -MS-222 -Avoid kicking out www.uwm.edu/Dept/EHSRM/ACP/MANUAL/Frog2.jpg
Handler Concerns
• Scratches and bites • Infectious disease • Toxic secretions: -Irritant -Hallucinogens -Consultants -Vasoconstrictors -Neurotoxin
Toxin Uses
• For people: -Weapon (poison dart frogs) -Pharmacology (pain killers, psychoactive) • For the animal: -Defense (unpalatable, paralysis) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anura#Poison
Toxins
• Aposematism and mimicry • Curious Dogs -Symptoms: foaming mouths, shaking, vomiting, diarrhea • Derived from: -Diet -Alkaloid manufacture http://www.gilroydispatch.com
Gender Determination
• Most not sexually dimorphic -Size -Color • Observe courtship • Candling abdomen for eggs http://www.xlaevis.com/sexing.html
Gender Determination
Females
• More rotund body shape http://www.telegraph.co.uk/
Gender Determination
Males
• Caudata Crests, bright colors, tail swellings in some during breeding season • Anura Vocal sacs, nuptial pads during breeding season http://www.xlaevis.com/sexing.html
Accommodations
Housing
• Vivarium basics • Enclosure Design • Substrate • Ground cover • Plants • Retreats • Water • Location http://www.darkroastedblend.com
Materials for Housing
• Glues and Sealants approved for aquaria, Avoid others including: -Coal-tar based sealants: PAH and amphibian larvae -Dental Sealants: Bisphenyl A • Plastic or Glass Material, Avoid Metals -Hg, Cu, Al, Zn, Fe www.everythingforpets.com/
Housing Considerations
• Hinged lid • Small holes • Striking behavior
Enclosure Design Options
• Aquatic Pond • Aquatic Stream • Stream-Side • Terrestrial • Terrestrial Fossorial • Arboreal
http://www.blackjungle.com/terrarium2.jpg
http://www.amphibiancare.com
http://www.brianstropicals.com/building.htm
l http://www.amphibiainfo.com
Substrate Options
• Medium-grade gravel -Size and texture • Soil and Sand -Parasites -Fertilizers • Moist paper
Substrate-Functions
• Camouflage • Bio filter http://www.uvm.edu
Ground Cover Options
• Moss or leaf litter • Sphagnum vs. Sheet Moss • Rocks
Ground Cover-Functions
• Enrichment • Security • Breakdown Waste Products www.driedflowersrus.com
Plants-Benefits
• Cover/Rest spots • Elevated perches • Sites for oviposition • Filter overhead light • Purify air • Oxygenate water • Utilize organic wastes • Increase humidity • Green algae and larval diet
Plant Considerations
• Low light levels • Pots vs. buried in substrate • Rinse, repot plants • No sharp tips http://www.dkimages.com
Retreats
• Secretive, time spent hiding • Dark, low sealing, deep • Cork bark or darkly colored plastic containers
Water
• Fresh or Brackish • Same as for fish
Location
• Minimal surrounding activity • Vibration • Controlled environment • Avoid Direct Sunlight • Escapes
Environmental Control
• Temperature • Humidity • Lighting
Temperature
• Achieved by: -Lighting: air -Heater: water • Thermal gradient -Max-min thermometer -Basking Spot • Common Ranges: -Green tree frog: 75 °F-88°F (24-31°C) day, 68°F (20°C) at night -Tiger salamander: 55 °F- 78°F (13-26°C)
Humidity
• >70% Relative humidity • Gradient with retreats • Skin problems • Gauge Methods: • Reduced ventilation • Water (spraying, moving, contained) • Live plants • Humidifier
Lighting
*Spectrum, Intensity, Duration* • Full-spectrum lights • Intensity: <46 cm from cage floor • Duration Photoperiod: equatorial (12:12) vs. temperate (16:8)
Lighting Considerations
• Source of heat • Subdued lighting & gradual changes • Plants
Nutrition
• Accurate Records!!!
• Dead vs. live feeding • Considerations: -Swallow prey whole -Cannibalistic species -Dermatophagy -Prey comes predator
Nutrition
• Pre- vs Post-metamorphosis • Variety -Schedule ~small, active foragers vs. ambush predators ~larvae vs. adults ~time of day -Content
Larval Amphibian Diet
Larval salamanders and neonatal caecilians vs. anurans
Larval Amphibian Diet-Herbivorous Anurans • Fish flakes, live aquatic vegetation and algae, heat treated greens*
Larval Amphibian Diet-Omnivorous Anurans • Fish Flakes/pellets, live aquatic vegetation and green algae
Larval Amphibian Diet-Carnivores • Zooplankton crustaceans adults cultured protozoa small earthworms/chopped mosquito larvae small small live fresh water fish/chopped larger fish fish pellets/flakes
Adult Aquatic Amphibian Diet
• Whole or Chopped Invertebrates: • Water fleas, fly larvae, feeder fish (guppy), smaller fresh water fish (whole smelt), fish pellet feeds, and… http://dcsbible.files.wordpress.com
http://www.geocities.jp
http:// www.guppy-fish.com/
Terrestrial Amphibian Diets
• Invertebrates
Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation • Ca -Absorb with H20 -Misting: no distilled water “Gut-loading” - Dusting - Ca:P • Frozen fish + thiamine • Rodents + Vit D 3 http://www.repcal.com
Nutritional Disorders
• Tadpoles: spinach • Iodine deficiency • Metabolic bone disease in frogs http://www.ultimatecoupons.com/blog/wp content/uploads/2008/03/popeye.jpg
Breeding
• DIFFICULT!
• Manipulate environment: -Hibernation: gradual temperature changes -Precipitation stop feed 1 week prior http://www.i-esfera.com/fotos/rain.jpg
Diseases to Look Out For
• Red leg often stress/IC; control with proper sanitation and environmental quality http://www.xenopus.com/disease.htm
Key Points
• Pre-purchase research • Life history considerations!!!
• Appropriate handling • Appropriate environment with options • Balanced diet with accurate records
Now for some fun….
Our New and Fabulous Frog Vivarium!!!
• Species: 4 Poison Dart Frogs,
Dendrobates azureus
• Purchased: Breeder in Dunn • Sex: Juveniles, Undetermined • Handling: N/A
The House
• Enclosure Design: Stream-side • Substrate: Coconut husk Dried moss Live moss • Retreats: logs • Plants: Rooted in substrate, glued • Water-DI
Environment
• Temperature: 72-75° F (22-24° C) • Humidity: 90% (hygrometer) -fans -misters (every 6 hrs/30 s -spray pre-eating) • Lighting: UV fluorescent bulbs -10 hrs daylight currently
Diet
• Cultured fruit flies -15/day -A.M.
-Territories • Supplements: rotating EOD -Ca (dusting) -General supplement • Springtails (for mold) dendroworld.co.uk
Special thank you to Kristine Alpi, Dr. Suzanne Kennedy-Stoskopf , and Jenessa Gjeltema for their help and input
References
Bank, M.S., J. Crocker, B. Connery, and A. Amirbahman. (2007). Mercury bioaccumulation in green frog (Rana clamitans) and bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) tadpoles from Acadia National Park, Maine, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 26:117-125. Brown, D.D. and L. Caia. (2007). Amphibian Metamorphosis: A Review. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. Geneva, Switzerland. 29/7/08.
Horne, M. T. and W. A. Dunson. (1995). Effects of low pH, metals, and water hardness on larval amphibians. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 29:500-505.
Kupfer, A., Kramer, A. and W. Himstedt (2004).
“Sex-related growth patterns in a caecilian amphibian (genus
Ichthyophis
): evidence from laboratory data” Journal of Zoology. 262.2: 173. Linzey, D., Burroughs, J., Hudson, L.; Marini, M; Robertson, J.; Bacon, J.; Nagarkatti, M.; and P. Nagarkatti. (2003). “Role of environmental pollutants on immune functions, parasitic infections and limb malformations in marine toads and whistling frogs from Bermuda
”
International Journal of Environmental Health Research Mattison C (1992). , 13.2: 125-148. Marquis, O.; Millery, A.; Guittonneau, S.; and C Miaud (2006) “Toxicity of PAHs and jelly protection of eggs in the Common Frog, Rana temporaria” Amphibia-Reptilia. 27: 472-5 Care of Reptiles and Amphibians in Captivity.
Revised Third Ed. New York, NY: Sterling Publishing. Stoskopf, M.K. (2008) “Amphibian Medicine” in Introduction to Physical Examination Skills Part B: Lab Animal and Zoological Species. Taylor, B.E., Croll, A.E., Drucker, M.L. and A.L. Wilson. (2008). Developmental exposure to ethanol or nicotine inhibits the hypercapnic ventilatory response in tadpoles. Respiratory Physiology and Neurobiology. 160.1: 83-90. Wright, K.M, and B.R. Whitaker (2001). Amphibian Medicine and Husbandry. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company.
Other Photo Websites
• • • www.zoosamara.ru
www.crazy-frog.us
http://artfiles.art.com/ • www.
wikipedia
.org