FREE ISSN 1045-3520

Volume 21 Issue 1, 2004

The Powder Blue Tang, Acanthurus leucosternon, Not Easily Kept Photo by Gilles Germain

Bob Fenner Amongst the more difficult marine fishes to keep is the Powder Blue Tang. Yes, though it is amongst the most commonly offered species of Surgeonfishes you see at retail fish stores, this Indian Ocean beauty rarely lives for more than a few days to weeks in captivity. It is likely a host of contributing factors that make Acanthurus leucosternon such an easy-dying species for aquarists. The fish takes a beating being held and shipped from such long distances through the chain of custody to the “end user”. It is also one of the species of fish that have a large (dozens to hundreds of square meters) territory in the wild and doesn’t take well to the “small clear boxes” which are our tanks. Lastly, this is clearly a Young Amphiprion chrysogaster with a symbiotic crab (Neopetrolisthes maculata) in the anemone “grazing” species that samples algae and related benthic infaunal organisms on a continuous basis during the day, and frequently succumbs to a lack of nutrition. The Breeding of the Clown Fish However, there are some “success stories” Amphiprion chrysogaster (Cuvier, 1830) endemic to The Mascarene Islands with the Powder Blue and some solid points to (Indian Ocean). make that greatly increase one’s chance of keeping it in an aquarium. Here I’d like to offer my observations, accumulated first and second-hand Patrick DURVILLE1,2, Jean-Noel FABRE1, Gilles GERMAIN1 and Premnas biaculeatus (Job et al., 1997). While the and Thierry MULOCHAU1 experience with what DOES work in maintaining large-scale culturing of clown fish has not always Acanthurus leucosternon alive and well. (1) Aquarium de La Réunion, Centre de découverte du been successful, technically the breeding of the milieu marin réunionnais, Port de plaisance de Saint-Gilles, clown fish is a real success considering the difficulty Selection 97434 Saint-Gilles les Bains, La Réunion, France. in obtaining good survival of coral fishes which Bad specimens of A. leucosternon are easy to (2) Laboratoire d’Ecologie Marine (ECOMAR), Université usually go through one or many larval stages, start spot. Most have darkened blue body areas, perhaps de La Réunion, Avenue René Cassin, 97715 Saint-Denis out at a very small size, and are extremely sensitive with a white “stress” bar, torn fins, and other Messag. Cedex 9, La Réunion, France. to external factors. evidence of accrued shipping and handling damage. [email protected] As far as we know no study has been carried Decent specimens are harder to assess. These all [email protected] out on the breeding and the biological cycle of the have the quality of “brightness”, that is, clear eyes, Introduction clown fish (Amphiprion chrysogaster). Only Moe constant movement and an awareness of your (1992) mentions this species in the list of coral fish presence. “Spaced-out” specimens should be left in The complete study of the biological cycle of that could be bred. Originating from The the dealer’s tank. many species of clown fish has been mostly Mascarene Islands (Réunion, Maurice and Index of fitness is a fisheries term for the acquired in the last 20 years, especially regarding Rodrigues), A. chrysogaster is the only fish of the “fullness” of the body of a fish. It’s quantified as the the subject of aquaculture (Jacquin 1975 ; Bertschy, Amphiprion species in the Réunion waters. This is circumference of an animal divided into its length. 1979 ; Breitenstein, 1980). The clown fish species the reason why, given the chance by the Aquarium Specimens with a higher value are obviously fatter most studied is Amphiprion ocellaris (Alayse,1982). de la Réunion to work with a few fish, and because than ones with lower indices. You want to select The technique used for this fish has been used for a of the existing breeding protocols, it seemed for a Powder Blue that is not too thin, particularly long time to establish the protocol or guidelines interesting to attempt the breeding of the clown in the upper body area (the flank, up and behind for the breeding of other clown fish such as A. fish (A. chrysogaster) to find out more about this the eyes). Skinny specimens rarely recover. allardi (Terver, 1975), A. chrysopterus (Allen, 1975), species. A. clarkii (Scaya, 1982) or A. percula, A. melanopus Continued on page 3 Continued on page 2 ©2004 Aquarium Systems, Inc., Mentor, OH - Printed in U.S.A. Table 2 : Comparison of the biological characteristics relating to the reproduction of several species of The Breeding of the Clown Fish clown fish. A. chrysogaster A. ocellaris A. ocellaris A. clarkii Continued from page 1 Present Study Alayse (1982) Hoff (1996) Hoff (1996) Time to first Materials And Methods maturity (months) 20 9 to 15 12 to 18 The broodstock were bred with their symbiotic anemone (Stichodactyla haddoni) in a Time to hatch (days) 8 7 8 6 2,000 l flow-through aquarium. The water Number of eggs per spawn 400 ± 50 Several hundred temperature of 27°C is relatively stable all year Size of eggs (mm) 2.9 ± 0.1 2 to 2.4 long. The fish were fed twice daily to satiation with a variety of foods enriched with lipids. A vitamin A Frequency of spawn (days) 16 to 24 10 to 12 15 1 2 complex was added to this formula to help with Size of larvae at day 0 (mm) 3.9 ± 0.1 3 2.36 6.68 the function of reproduction (Guillaume et al., Age at metamorphosis (days) 12 to 33 9 to 40 1999). The fish were monitored daily to determine the exact date of fertilization and deduce the Size at metamorphosis (mm) 18 to 22 9 moment of hatching. As soon as hatching was Survival rate during culture (%) 16 42 77 42 imminent the larvae were captured using a siphon Growth rate from system and immediately moved to a 100 l black 0 to 30 days (mm/day) 0.5 0.4 cylindrical tank with a conical bottom, which was also an open flow system with a water flow rate of was after 20 months. Usually at the end of the day During this study the mortality rate ranged 10 l/hr, and kept in complete darkness for 24 the female deposits her eggs on the substrate at from 40 to 80% during the first 5 days after birth. hours. The feeding of the larvae started as soon as the foot of the anemone forming a intermittent The mortality rate during the metamorphosis the second day with a mixture of rotifers circle. The male immediately fertilizes the eggs one varied from 0 to 50%. The juveniles are considered (Brachchiomus plicatilis) and unicellular algae after the other. This reproduction phase lasts saved and little by little can be fed inert commercial (Platymonas sp.). Starting on the fifth day some about one hour. The incubation of the eggs lasts 8 fish food. As far as this study is concerned, the best Artemia nauplii (Artemia salinas) were presented days. The egg color changes from bright orange to survival rate experienced was 16%. (Table 1). Special lighting of 120 lux (measured on dark brown and becomes silvery the day of the Discussion – Conclusion hatching (the eyes of the larvae are clearly visible). the surface of the water) was used 13 hours a day. Globally, the information acquired during this The color change starts one half hour after being in Further, the water was lightly circulated with a very study showed that there is very little difference the dark and lasts from 1 to 2 hours. During the gentle air flow. between A. chrysogaster and other clown fish 12-month study, from September 2001 to species normally bred in captivity (Table 2). The Results September 2002, the pair of specimens gave birth end results, specifically the survival rate of less The time of the first sexual maturity under 19 times at intervals of 16 to 24 days between each than 16% leads us to believe that the conditions artificial conditions of these fish born in captivity hatchings. Considering that the first hatchings were less than optimal (the aspiration larvae consisted of only about 100 eggs which are usually recuperation technique used in this study could be aborted, the quantity of eggs was pretty consistent replaced by something less traumatic which would Table 1: Feed Type and Density for Amphiprion at about 400 +/- 50 eggs. The egg size was 2.9 plus probably initially raise the survival rate). Or chrysogaster larval over time since hatch (Days). or minus 0.1 mm at the end when the embryo is perhaps we are dealing with a more fragile species Days 2-4 Days 5-12 After Day 12 developed. The larvae at birth measures from 3.9 than A. ocellaris or A. clarkii which have shown a +/- 0.1mm. The metamorphosis takes between 12 Algae (cell/l) 20,000 0 0 much higher survival rate. and 33 days depending on each larva. At 18 to 22 Rotifers (individuals/ml) 5 5 0 The breeding of coral fishes in the last few mm in length the juveniles develop their Artemia nauplii 0 0.5 1 years reveals potential economic benefits due to characteristic white stripes. (individuals/ml) the development of the tropical marine aquaculture and of the important market that it represents. Dufour (1998) shows that many millions of fish are ‘caught’ worldwide and that the export of 100,000 ornamental fish would bring approximately 200,000 U.S. dollars in business. Even if at the moment this type of marginal

Photo by Patrick Durville breeding represents a small quantity, it could eventually prove very profitable. There are still few domesticated coral fish species like Amphiprion ocellaris, Hippocampus kuda or Pterapogon kauderni, where we have some control over the cycle and depend only on the specimens bred in captivity. Much breeding still relies on the capture in the coastal waters of young fish (larvae or juveniles) who are then moved to special containers where they can grow. Most of the exported species come from being caught on the reefs and generally the methods used to capture them is destructive. Consequently, it is very important to keep in mind that in an attempt to preserve coral reefs, we must promote studies on the ‘complete’ breeding cycle, especially of the most popular or in-demand Adult Amphiprion chrysogaster in the wild with symbiotic anemones Continued on page 3 The Breeding of the Clown Fish The Powder Blue Tang, Acanthurus Acanthurus species do best in reef aquariums, Continued from page 2 leucosternon, Not Easily Kept or at least ones with plenty of healthy live rock. Continued from page 1 Powder Blues will not survive in a sterile “fish only” Some “flashing” or scratching is to be expected setting. About tank shape; less “show” and more of all specimens, but this should not be excessive. “standard” tank dimensions are preferable. Lots of Nor should respiration be labored or too frequent. rock to graze on and lateral space to zoom about About sixty gill movements per minute are what is of more use than the room to swim up and Photo by Patrick Durville you are looking for. down. Newly arrived specimens are better to sort The age of the system is important on two amongst other than longer-on-hand ones. Like principal counts, maybe three. More aged systems most marine livestock, and particularly Acanthuroids, are best because they will be more stable Powder Blues are “starved out” for a few days chemically and physically, as well as likely having ahead of shipping to reduce in-transit pollution in more filamentous algae to graze on. By waiting for their shipping bags. Unfortunately, this starvation six or more months before introducing your Powder Blue, you are likely placing it as your last Amphiprion adult can be persistent once the animals are received and shipped through wholesalers, jobbers to your fish, the proper order of introduction. species, such as the clown fish. The goal is to LFS or retailing supplier. Buy or special order Water Quality eventually, through this process be able to cover all “fresh” A. leucosternon and promptly take them needs by proposing a quality product that would Organics should not be allowed to accumulate home, quarantine and place them. replace the way it is done now. in this fish’s tank. Amongst reef fishes that “show” Quarantine signs of nitrate et. al. concentration, Powder Blues Acknowledgements: Powder Blues are one of the notorious “ich rate up near the top. Oversized filtration, This study was made possible by ARDA magnet” species of Surgeonfishes, and should circulation, aeration and skimming, along with the (Association Reunionnaise pour le Developpement definitely be quarantined for at least a two-week use of quality salt-mix (e.g. Instant Ocean, Reef de l’Aquaculture and of the Aquarium de la period of time before being introduced to the Crystals) and regular water changes are necessary. Reunion) (Center for the Discovery of the main/display tank. Even then, they will be amongst Nitrates should not exceed any more than 10 ppm; Reunion Marine Life). the first to show signs of pathogenic or pH should not be allowed to drop below 8.2. Temperature can play a pivotal role in Powder References environmental disease should something be amiss. Blue health. They are happiest in warm water, Alayse J.P., 1984. Utilisation dans l’élevage de Amphiprion ocellaris If you’d like, do consider adding a prophylactic (Cuvier) de technique destinées à l’aquaculture de poissons marins freshwater dip/bath (of a few minutes duration) to something in the low 80 degrees F. If your’s shows tempérés. Oceanis, 10 : 505-519. the acclimation to quarantine process. It’s advisable signs of disinterest in feeding, consider elevating the Allen G. R., 1975. The anemonefishes, their classification and tank temperature. biology (second edition). Tropical fish hobbyist publication, to add Methylene Blue to the pH-adjusted Neptune City. U.S.A : 352 p. freshwater to both increase its capacity for oxygen Foods/Feeding Bertschy A., 1979. Essais de reproduction en aquarium d’Amphiprion ocellaris (Cuvier). Rev. Fr. Aquariol, 3 : 91-94. holding as well as calming the dipped specimen. Nutrition or should I state, a lack of nutrition Breitenstein R., 1980. Essai d’élevage d’Amphiprion ocellaris. Aquariums: Size, Type and Time is likely the principal cause of loss of this species in Aquarama, 53 : 38-41 et 82-84. captivity. Too often specimens arrive too starved Dufour, V., 1998. Etude du marché des poissons d’aquarium et de This is a wide-ranging, fast-swimming vigorous leur exploitation dans les pays insulaires. Ressources marines et fish that needs plenty of room. The smallest tank I to recover and/or are placed in circumstances Commercialisation. Bull. CPS, 2 : 6-11. recommend for their keeping is one hundred where they cannot sustain themselves. It may seem Guillaume J., Kaushik S., Bergot P. et R. Métallier, 1999. Nutrition gallons. At full potential size of about a foot in counterintuitive but there is reason to believe that et alimentation des poissons et des crustacés. INRA Ed. 469 p. supplying a “fully nutritional” staple food is of at Hoff F.H., 1996. Conditioning, spawning and rearing of fish with length, this would only be six times the length of emphasis on marine clown-fish. Aquaculture Consultants Inc. 212 p. the fish… not too much to ask for. Continued on page 4 Jacquin P., 1975. Essai de reproduction d’Amphiprion percula. Aquarama, 31 : 43-90. Job S., Arvedlund M. et M. Marnane, 1997. Culture of coral reef fishes. Austasia Aquaculture, 11 (3) : 56-59. Moe A. M. jr., 1992. The marine aquarium handbook. Beginner to breeder. Green Turtle (Ed.), Florida, USA. 318 p. Scaya J. C., 1982. Essais et réussite de reproduction du poisson clown Amphiprion clarkii. Aquarama, 68 : 46-48 et 71-73. Photo by Robert Fenner Terver D., 1975. Données sur l’élevage et la reproduction en aquarium d’Amphiprion allardi (Pomacentridae). In : Contribution à la biologie et aux techniques des élevage en aquarium. Thèse d’Etat, Université de Nancy I : 310-321.

Future Events and Conferences Aquality – The 1st International Symposium of Water Quality and Treatment in Aquaria and Zoological Parks. April 1-6, 2004. Lisbon, Portugal. More information at www.oceanario.pt IMAC 2004. June 4-6, 2004. Chicago, IL. More information at www.theimac.org MACNA XVI. Sept. 10-12, 2004. Boston, MA. More information at www.masna.org A school of Acanthurus leucosternon grazing on the reef The Powder Blue Tang, Acanthurus leucosternon, Not Easily Kept Continued from page 3 least as much benefit as being conscientious about having greenery available at all times. I have seen Photo by Robert Fenner very healthy Acanthurus leucosternon that have been fed only on commercial pellet feed, for instance. Tankmates Similar appearing fishes, and ones utilizing about the same ecological niches should not be placed with Powder Blues. Other Tangs will often be challenged, sometimes to the extreme, and other algal grazing fishes may not fare any better. As they can be overtly territorial, it is best to place your Acanthurus leucosternon as the last fish in the system. On the issue of how many, one is the magic number for all but the more huge (thousands of gallons) systems. Though they’re sometimes encountered in the wild in shoaling schools of In Conclusion hundreds of specimens, most often there is Bibliography/Further Reading Powder Blue Tangs have had a dismal survival incessant fighting with more than one in an history as aquarium specimens. Their easy loss is Debelius, Helmut. 1993. Indian Ocean Tropical Fish aquarium. Guide. Aquaprint Verlags, Germany. attributable to inherent poor adaptability to captivity, as well as the rigors of collection, holding Fong, Jack. 2000. The Powder Blue Tang- hardy or and shipping from afar. Folks who would success- delicate? FAMA 3/00. fully keep this fish can undertake several Kuiter, Rudi & Helmut Debelius. 2001. ameliorative measures. Careful selection, provision Surgeonfishes, Rabbitfishes and their Relatives. A Comprehensive Guide to Acanthuroidei. TMC of adequate habitat and feeding most notably. Folks Publishing, Chorleywood, UK. who would keep Acanthurus leucosternon are advised Photo by Robert Fenner McKenna, Scott. 1987. Keeping the powder-blue to pay attention to the above points or seek out surgeonfish. TFH 36(3):22-25,27. more suitable aquarium fishes for display.

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BIO-Blend® Marine Fish Foods are scientifically formulated Adult Acanthurus leucosternon in the wild for palatability, digestibility and nutrient retention to ensure maximum nutrition. Each is blended to maintain high energy, vibrant natural color, natural growth… and minimize tank waste. There’s no excess phosphorus PUBLICATION INFORMATION either – and that means consistently cleaner water. SeaScope® was created to present short, informative BIO-Blend wafers stimulate even the most finicky marine fish to feed. articles of interest to marine aquarists. Topics may And there’s no need to touch, crumble or prepare – a shake is all it takes! include water chemistry, nutrition, mariculture, system design, ecology, behavior, and fish health. Article contributions are welcomed. They should deal with pertinent topics and are subject to editorial reviews that in our opinion are necessary. Payments will be made at existing rates and will cover all author's rights to the material submitted. SeaScope® is published quarterly for free distribution through local aquarium dealers. Dealers not receiving copies of SeaScope® for distribution to their customers should call Aquarium Systems, Inc. to be added to the mailing list. Telephone: 1-800-822-1100. The SeaScope® newsletter is now available on-line at Ideal for Small For marine grazers – Protein packed for Angels, Clowns Tangs, other Surgeons Triggers, Puffers For the larger varieties www.marineland.com under the News tab. Go to the and Butterflies & Blennies & Groupers “What’s New” section and choose SeaScope® Angels, Tangs & Wrasses. newsletter for the most recent issue. Address comments, questions, and suggestions to BIO-Coat® Marine conditions tap Dr.Timothy A.Hovanec, Editor. Marineland, 6100 FEATURING ™ Condor Dr., Moorpark, CA 93021 water by eliminating or E-Mail: [email protected] Marineland Labs • Moorpark, CA 93021 chloramines and chlorine, BIO-GARDSupports a 866-489-2771 • ©2004 Marineland detoxifies heavy metals, and HealthySystem Immune Aquarium Systems is a Marineland Company www.marinelandlabs.com delivers immediate stress relief. FREE ISSN 1045-3520

Volume 21 Issue 2, 2004

Lionfish in the Western

Atlantic Photo by Alf Jacob Nilsen

Dr. Robert J. Goldstein [email protected]

Lionfish (Pterois volitans) have been reported in shallow warm waters of the East Coast of the United States from Florida to New York and are now recognized as established in the Western North Atlantic. Todd Gardner (speaking for himself, Paula Whitfield, Stephen Vives, Matt Gilligan, Walter Courtenay, Carleton Ray, and Jon Haire) presented an update of reports and evaluations at the Marine Ornamentals ’04 meeting in Honolulu, HI (March 1-4, 2004). The presentation had previously been published by these authors in a series of NOAA reports, press releases, and an in-house biological evaluation. Gardner later summarized the reports to date as 6 lionfish at 3 locations in 2000, 34 lionfish at 12 locations in 2001, and 139 lionfish at 41 locations in 2002. Reports are still being compiled, but it’s clear that a reproducing population is now expanding along the East Coast. The majority of reports have centered around dive sites off North Carolina, from which the fish seem to be spreading north and south. All persons agree that an invasion has occurred and is successful. Beyond that agreement, the parties part company. The first area of disagreement is the source of the lionfish. Gardner, reflecting the consensus of the other scientists on his team and of Richard Pyle of Honolulu, attributed the introduction to aquarium releases. No data were provided in support of this assertion, other than reference to a publication reporting an aquarium release by Dr. Walter Courtenay many years ago. I telephoned Dr. Courtenay in Florida to inquire about this report. Dr. Courtenay had no direct knowledge of an aquarium release, but had been told of one by another person who also had not witnessed it, but assumed that it had occurred. Thus, that early (first) report of an aquarium release was Pterois volitans on the Great Barrier Reef anecdotal and not followed by an investigation. Yet all publications report this early Courtenay paper as I telephoned Dr. Schwartz at the time to follow Gardner, Whitfield (a NOAA biologist stationed the authority that lionfish were an aquarium release. up on that report, but he said he had heard it at a in N.C.), and many others have speculated that, His conclusion had been echoed just last year in meeting but could not recall who had provided that because of some other reports of Pacific fishes on North Carolina when a reporter asked Dr. Frank information. I then telephoned the biologists with south Florida reefs, the likelihood of aquarium Schwartz of the UNC-NC Marine Laboratory in the Florida Department of Natural Resources, since releases gains strength. The unsubstantiated Morehead City (a popular dive locale) where the any release of that nature would have been reported suggestion of a large outdoor tank being destroyed newly reported lionfish might have come from, and to the state. Conversations with several offices all during Hurricane Andrew and releasing a host of he responded that he had heard it was an aquarium resulted in no knowledge of any release and the lionfishes seems to be the basis of the later release in Florida resulting from a large outdoor tank universal assessment that had it happened, they speculation, yet there is no evidence that (a) it ever being destroyed during a storm. would know about it. Continued on page 2

©2004 Aquarium Systems, Inc., Mentor, OH - Printed in U.S.A. Lionfish in the Western Atlantic

Continued from page 1 happened, (b) even a hundred lionfish would be a sufficient number of introduced fishes to establish a

breeding population in the western North Atlantic, Photo by Alf Jacob Nilsen and (c) any other fishes were released and established as result of Andrew. Gardner suggested that aquarists dump fish that grow too large, pointing to the occurrence of some Pacific angels (one species) and tangs in south Florida. Pyle in Honolulu also suggested that exotics could be introduced when aquarium fishes get too large and are released by their owners. As to intentional releases, it is inconceivable that aquarists would release hundred dollar fishes that could be sold back to a pet store or provided to a public aquarium. As to accidental releases, the question must be raised that, if storm damaged outdoor tanks (or electrical failures) somehow led to the release of large expensive fishes, then why is south Florida also not inundated with far more common (in marine aquariums) fishes such as Pterois volitans is native to the Indo-Pacific from Australia up to Korea. domino and banded damsels, clown fishes, wrasses, varying amounts of lading. This constant introduction spreading from (and within) that central locus. all kinds of Pacific gobies, and other inexpensive of food into the ballast tanks provides sufficient North Carolina has large ports at Wilmington and fishes? In fact, the only reports from south Florida nutrition for many invertebrates, and there is no Morehead City, with constant and large amounts of include an expensive Pacific angelfish, yellow tangs reason why the same process would not work to commercial and military ship traffic. With the large (from Hawaii probably) and Moorish Idols (also assure survival of benthic spawning gobies from number of dive sites off Morehead City, N.C., the from Hawaii). Europe to America. That an egg-scattering percid question remains whether the fish are really A second area of disagreement is whether this like the ruffe also was transported indicates that this abundant here, or merely more often seen by the release could have been effected by transport of is not the sole manner in which a fish could be frequent and large number of divers. eggs or larvae through ballast water. I contacted transported. A third area of disagreement is on the threat an authority on ballast water releases, Dr. Stephan A Japanese report on the reduction of ballast posed by lionfish in the North Atlantic. Much has Gollasch of Hamburg, Germany. Dr. Gollasch water introductions recommended displacing the air been written about the poisonous spines, difficulty of replied he believed it unlikely that lionfish could over the ballast water with nitrogen. This finding antivenin, and the lack of predators. have been transported through ballast water inexpensive solution eliminates the oxygen reserve In fact, only stonefish among the Scorpaenidae because the pump intake filter has a mesh size of 1 in the atmosphere and has the added benefit of are potentially lethal and produce a toxin that should cm, and the pump impellers themselves would kill reducing oxygenic corrosion in the ship. Purging the be treated with an antivenin. Lionfish stings are anything transported through the pumps. Dr. ballast tanks with nitrogen resulted in a 10 percent excruciatingly painful, but not deadly. The Gollasch also concluded that an aquarium release decrease in rusting. At the same time, the recommended treatment is immersion of the was a likely cause. survivorship of larval crabs was reduced by 90 wounded limb in very hot water for at least 30 Further investigation revealed that many fishes percent and that of polychaete worms by about 70 minutes. The toxic is a heat-labile protein that is have been transported by ballast water, most percent. The method was more cost effective than inactivated by hot water, so no antivenin is notably lately the perch called ruffe and a large goby other forms of hypoxia and the use of biocides. necessary. in the Great Lakes. These fishes were not deterred Finally, what would it take to introduce lionfish Is that the end of the story, and are we left to by impellers or 1 cm mesh, so the argument that through ballast water? wonder? When I spoke with Dr. Courtenay and scorpionfish could not survive is not supported. A general principal in biology is that it takes a expressed skepticism about aquarium releases and A Sea Grant report on ballast water large founder population to establish an invasion. my inclination to favor a ballast water origin, he introductions indicates that invertebrates can survive The idea of a few dozen grown fish surviving, finding offered another consideration. He stated that one through multiple generations within the ballast tanks, each other, and breeding in the Atlantic ocean well-known Florida biologist had evidence that some which are partially filled and emptied periodically as a boggles the mind. Bigger numbers are far more introductions might have been caused by dive guides ship makes its way around the world’s seas with reasonable, and that could only be provided by many as attractants to their local reefs. He stated that thousands of eggs or larvae at one time, or multiple (blank) had evidence of plantings by dive operators times in short order. that this biologists wanted to talk to Courtenay Future Events and Conferences There are two ways that could occur. A ship about, but Courtenay had never gotten around to it. (or more than one) could take on ballast water in a Intentional introductions by dive shop IMAC 2004. June 4-6, 2004. Chicago, IL. More location and at a time that lionfish are spawning, so operators? I recalled Gardner mentioning that some information at www.theimac.org that the water is filled with seasonally high numbers dive shop operators would not show investigating of eggs. Second, the eggs could be clustered so a NOAA biologists where the scorpionfish were MACNA XVI. Sept. 10-12, 2004. Boston, MA. ship takes on not an egg at a time, but a cluster of located, apparently fearing the biologists would More information at www.masna.org thousands at a time. And that is what could happen remove these important attractions. with lionfish, which (like all members of the I emailed and telephoned the biologist named by 6th Annual International Aquarium Congress. Scorpaenidae) produces eggs in large jellylike masses. Dr. Courtenay in an effort to secure an interview. Dec. 5-10, 2004 Monterey, CA USA. If the water at the time of loading was filled with To date, my inquiries have gone unanswered. More information at www.iac.2004.org jellylike masses of eggs, the likelihood of a massive So we could have ballast water introductions. Internationales Meerwasser- Symposium. cargo of eggs in ballast water becomes reasonable. And we could also have dive operators purchasing Mar. 11-13, 2005 Luenen, Westfalen, Germany. Add to these attributes that lionfish range into (and marine fishes for specific release to enhance their More information: spawn) in shallow water, including water shallow dive sites. But as to a pet industry or amateur www.meerwassersymposium.de enough to support a tanker, freighter, or warship. aquarist release? I think NOAA is all wet. It’s interesting that the first reports of lionfish came from North Carolina, and they appear to be Marine Ich, Cryptocaryoniasis

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FISHKEEPING Of the two most common “scourges” of marine reef fish diseases, the most prevalent is saltwater ich or white-spot disease or “Crypt” while the other is Easy as 1--2--3--4. the dinoflagellate Amyloodinium or “velvet”. As far as biological causes of captive mortality go, “Crypt” is the hands-down winner. All too regrettable, as this protozoan can be eliminated by simple pH- adjusted freshwater bath protocols along the course of the supply chain from collection to hobbyists’ and institutions’ tanks. Causative Organism: Amongst the most myth-ridden subjects of marine aquarium keeping, “marine ich” must be near the top. Some folks (in print no less) have stated that the cause of this disease is bacterial, viral or directly environmental! The causative organism of marine ich is a ciliated protozoan (single-celled animal) known to science as Cryptocaryon irritans. Direct observation of the responsible micro- organism is possible with any medium power microscope; the adult size being up to about 0.5 mm

in diameter. Remove some body slime from an Marineland Labs® has 1 Create the Ideal infested fish by skimming a microscope slide along its Marine Environment side from the direction of head to tail, and smear developed a new Life Science System of products TEP with BIO-Safe™ Tap Water Conditioner this onto the surface of another slide. You might S and Instant Ocean® Sea Salt. improve contrast by staining the slide specimen with for the saltwater aquariums Establish Essential a drop of methylene blue. Adult ich appears as a -- a complete 4-step formula 2 Biofiltration roundish blob with a larger four-lobed for healthier marine fish and ® macronucleus. The outside of the cell is covered by successful marine fishkeeping. TEP with BIO-Spira Marine Nitrifying numerous small “hairs” (cilia). S Bacteria. Marineland Labs Life Science Systems… Life Cycle: Now It’s Your Step-By-Step Solution for 3 Protect Your Fish Cryptocaryon irritans is a parasite with a direct life Marine Fishkeeping Success, too! with BIO-Coat™ Marine. cycle, i.e., requiring no intermediate host like an TEP invertebrate to complete its life cycle. The time per S generation is temperature dependent; ranging from a 4 Optimize Nutrition few days for tropical to a week or more in cold For more information visit water tanks. If one considers the possibility of with BIO-Blend™ Marine Foods.

www.marinelandlabs.com. TEP “resting stages”, marine ich can wait weeks to S months before seeking out fish hosts. The cycle starts with a stage feeding (called Marineland Labs • Moorpark, CA • (866) 489-2771• ©2003 Marineland trophonts) on its fish host. They embedded below

the epithelium (upper living skin layers) of host fishes, under copious amounts of mucus, not affected by chemical treatments. Next is the Protomont stage when ich leaves the fish, drops to the bottom and forms a resting/developmental cyst (tomont) stage persisting Photo by Robert Fenner for 3-30 days. For about a day at 78° F reproduction occurs by binary fission; that is, by each cell dividing into two, possibly producing two hundred individuals (then called theronts). These encysted stage individuals are not affected by chemical treatments. Next, after 3-7 days, as tomites or theronts they break out of the cyst (typically at night, when reef fishes are often “sitting on the bottom”) and swim into the water in search of a host fish. Ich must find a fish host within several hours to a day or two at elevated temperatures or die. If the parasite is lucky (and its host fish not so) it will find a host and burrow into its skin or gills. This “free-living” Continued on page 4 A Naso tang exhibiting the typical signs of a Crypt infection Marine Ich, Cryptocaryoniasis you’re using hyposalinity as a treatment mode. And there are exceptions and variations to Continued from page 3 consider using hyposalinity. Cartilaginous fishes (sharks, rays) cannot be treated in this fashion... and such osmotic changes need to be made swimming stage is the opportune moment for gradually (over days).

chemical treatment. Photo by Robert Fenner B) Ionic copper solutions, chelated and not. Copper Treatments: is an old-time, but proven method, of eliminating Cryptocaryon. Solutions come in two varieties, You’d think that being such common a bound up with a “carrier” molecule (chelated) potential killer there would be a simple standard and “free” (as in copper sulfate solutions). Both operating procedure for its treatment. Guess again. types have their benefits and shortcomings. The state of development of the hobby and huge Chelated copper “lasts longer” in marine water, turnover of hobbyists (more than 100% per year) cutting down the frequency of administration, dictate that the non-science aspects (faith, whereas free copper is more available, readily intuition...) hold sway in allowing nonsense effective. Note that you need to use a test kit for “remedies” to persist. Investigate your options either type of copper used and that there are thoroughly. different test kits. Whichever format of copper is Prevention: utilized it should be tested for and, if necessary, You’ll be ready to pre-pay for that “pound of administered twice daily. Testing with adjustment cure” for sure once you’ve had an encounter with of the copper levels assures that a “physiological Crypt. But I hope you will instead avoid having to dose”, sufficient concentration (0.15-0.25 ppm treat your fishes at all for this external parasite by over 7-10 days) of cupric ion is present to kill the following simple quarantine practice. Some fish- tomite/theront stages. groups, like Surgeons and Rabbitfishes, are “ich C) Metronidazole (aka Flagyl), Quinacrine magnets” being much more susceptible to Hydrochloride, Quinine Sulfate. These infestations. However, virtually all marine fishes, treatments are not effective consistently. including sharks and moray eels, can become hosts Shrimp such as Lysmata amboinensis can help control D) Formalin or formalin/malachite or given virulent exposure and/or impugned Crypt. formalin/copper mixtures. Can be useful for initial environmental circumstances. infestations, treating large numbers of specimens, This being stated, the single best way for you to Environmental Influences: but the biocide formalin is dangerously toxic in not have to deal with marine ich (or most all All diseases are to a degree environmentally the hands of the uninitiated. If used, shy on the biological diseases of livestock) is to employ a few- mediated. That is, the physical, chemical and social low concentration, utilize extra week (2-3) isolation/quarantine regimen. This make-up, foods/feeding and a myriad of other factors aeration/circulation and closely watch your fishes period of time will give your new fish (and non-fish) directly and indirectly dispose an organism to and biological filtration. livestock a chance to “rest up”, and show signs (if disease. Many systems teeter on being just about In Closing: any) of disease development. Some folks advocate parasite free, though possessing latent infestations of Pandemics of saltwater ich have waxed and pre-emptive chemical treatment for saltwater ich, I parasites. With slight changes in water quality, waned during the entire history of the captive don’t. Better to do your best to acclimate new nutrition or social interaction, this balance can be marine hobby. It is likely that these infestations livestock, keep them separate and administer tipped either way. account for a large percentage of hobbyist attrition. treatments only if definite signs of parasites are This is regrettable and avoidable by simple evidenced. After Observing Infestation: Many products have been advanced as being quarantine procedures and adherence to a reliable efficacious in treating for Crypt, some in treatment protocol. Isolation of fish livestock, combination with others. In general the more hyposalinity and elevated temperature, effective treatments are more potentially toxic and administration of copper medication with testing will their mis-use is likely a source of mortality than the cure all but the most entrenched cases. PUBLICATION INFORMATION actual parasites they’re being used to eliminate. Be Related Articles on WWM: aware that there are a few commercial “reef safe” http://www.wetwebmedia.com/dips_baths.htm, Net SeaScope® was created to present short, informative remedies (pepper-sauce, garlic...) on the market that et al. dips to prevent spreading communicable articles of interest to marine aquarists. Topics may are unreliable to put it mildly. Rather than saving fish diseases include water chemistry, nutrition, mariculture, system lives these persistent “cures” kill-off hobbyists by the design, ecology, behavior, and fish health. Article droves. Avoid them by getting on the internet and http://www.wetwebmedia.com/quaranti.htm, contributions are welcomed. They should deal with converse with fellow hobbyists regarding what Quarantine procedures pertinent topics and are subject to editorial reviews works and doesn’t. that in our opinion are necessary. Payments will be made at existing rates and will cover all author's rights Temperature effects: to the material submitted. As with freshwater ich, it’s advised to raise your SeaScope® is published quarterly for free distribution system’s temperature to speed up the life cycle of through local aquarium dealers. Dealers not receiving Crypt while you’re treating for it. If your livestock copies of SeaScope® for distribution to their can handle it, increase your water temperature to customers should call Aquarium Systems, Inc. to be the mid 80’s°F along with whatever other treatment Photo by Robert Fenner added to the mailing list. Telephone: 1-800-822-1100. regimen you employ. The SeaScope® newsletter is now available on-line at A) Hyposalinity, lowered specific gravity. Some www.marineland.com under the News tab. Go to the people advocates a specific gravity as low as “What’s New” section and choose SeaScope® 1.009. This can work if your fishes are not too newsletter for the most recent issue. challenged already or the pathogen too virulent, Address comments, questions, and suggestions to however it will not effect a permanent system Dr. Timothy A. Hovanec, Editor. cure. Know that most common measures of Marineland, 6100 Condor Dr., Moorpark, CA 93021 specific gravity are temperature specific and that or E-Mail: [email protected] most non-fish livestock will not tolerate the lower limit (14-16 ppt salinity) necessary to kill Aquarium Systems is a Marineland Company off the parasites. Therefore, your fishes will have to be separated from your non-fish livestock if Naso lituratus with a rampant infestation of Crypt FREE ISSN 1045-3520

Volume 21 Issue 3, 2004

A Chemical Analysis of Select Trace Elements in Synthetic Sea Salts and Natural Seawater Dr. Timothy A. Hovanec and Jennifer L. Coshland Introduction Chemical elements in seawater are commonly grouped into three general categories: major, minor and trace. Pilson (1998) defines the major elements, of which there are eleven, as those that occur in concentrations greater than 1 ppm (1 mg/kg), admittedly an arbitrary value (Table 1). The distinction between minor and trace elements is even more arbitrary and different authors will use different concentrations for the dividing line. Morel and Price (2003) define trace as <0.1 µM while Kennish (1994) Synthetic sea salt states that the average concentration of 22 trace elements ranged between 0.05 and 50 µmol/kg.Table 2 Materials and Methods Examining the results by each element shows that lists some common trace elements, their mean A natural seawater sample was collected from the for three elements (Be, Co, and Cu) no sample had concentration in the ocean. surf zone of the Pacific Ocean at Malibu State Beach, concentrations above the detection limit (DL). An important difference between major and CA in a pre-cleaned, acid washed bottle. The sample Another two elements (Ag and Tl) were found only in minor or trace elements is that higher concentrations was stored in a cooler and transported to the OSS at values close to (Ag) or just under the DL (Tl). for many minor or trace elements may be toxic to laboratory. Salinity was determined with a refracto- Therefore, these five elements are not considered much life in the ocean at various trophic levels and/or meter. further, leaving ten elements for discussion. life stages. This can be especially important when All the synthetic sea salts for this study were Aluminum (Al) was detected in only two samples: maintaining aquatic life in closed aquatic systems such purchased from commercial sources except Instant NSW-M at a concentration of 20 ppb and one SSS, as aquaria. Paradoxically, however, many of these Ocean and Reef Crystals which were obtained from CSMMB with a level of 10 ppb (Fig. 1). Four samples “toxic” trace elements are also required nutrients. stock at Marineland. Enough of each salt was weighed were found to contain levels of zinc (Zn) above the Another phenomena which must be considered out to obtain a salinity of 33 ppt to match the salinity detection limit. CWC had a zinc concentration of 21 when discussing trace elements in seawater is the of the natural seawater sample. Samples were diluted ppb which was 4 to 7 times greater than the three SSS interaction of some elements with particles in the with deionized water. All samples were coded so that (TM, RS and CL) found to contain Zn (Table 3) (Fig. 1). water column. For instance, trace elements such Al, the brand would not be apparent to the analysts. Detectable amounts of lead (Pb) were found in all Co, Pb and Mn have strong interaction with particles, Samples, including deionized water, were transported treatments except NSW-M, IO and RC (Fig. 1). CWC which results in short residence times in the water to West Coast Analytical Services, Inc., Santa Fe Spring, had the highest level of Pb at 39 ppb. CSMMB and OSS column as the particles sink into deeper water which CA in a cooler with ice for analysis. were next highest at 1.7 to 1.8 ppb Pb, respectively makes them less toxic. (Kremling et. al. 1999). Samples were analyzed for eleven elements (Al, (Fig. 1). The remaining SSS had Pb values ranging from Unfortunately, no research exists on the Sb, Be, Cd, Co, Pb, Mn, Mo, Ag, Tl and Zn) via 0.37 to 0.82 ppb (Fig. 1). potentially positive or negative effects of low amounts Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (ICP- Chromium (Cr) was detected in six of the eight of various trace elements in aquaria. Indeed, for many MS) without further treatment. Another four elements SSS samples ranging from a high of 27 ppb in BSMM to years several manufacturers of synthetic sea salts, in (Cr, Cu, Ni and V) were analyzed by ICP-MS/DRC 0.29 ppb in IO (Fig. 1). order to provide a complete formula, added or (Dynamic Reaction Cell). All the samples except OSS All the SSS, except CL, were found to contain separately provided trace elements to their basic were analyzed at the same time. OSS was analyzed at a antimony but many were at levels near or below formula (Anonymous 1985, 1990). In recent years, later date due to its unavailability until that time. During NSW-M (0.36 ppb). BSMM had the highest value at 3.5 however, this practice has nearly stopped as it was both sample runs, quality control samples were run in ppb followed by CSMMB (1.4 ppb) (Fig. 2). Cadmium realized that many trace elements are naturally present parallel on the deionized water used to make-up the was found only in TM (0.31 ppb) and BSMM (0.24 ppb). in low quantities in the major chemical compounds, synthetic seawater and on fortified laboratory blanks. Four SSS samples were also found to contain such as sodium chloride, magnesium chloride and measurable levels of vanadium though the amounts sodium sulfate, used to make synthetic sea salts. Results were less than that for NSW-M which at 2 ppb equaled However, concern still exists among hobbyists as Table 3 presents the results of the analysis of the published average value for seawater (Table 2). to whether the use of synthetic sea salts versus natural fifteen trace elements for eight brands of synthetic sea The remaining elements (Mn, Mo and Ni) were seawater for marine aquaria results in the continued salts (SSS): Instant Ocean (IO), BioSea Marine Mix detected in all the samples tested expect Mo was not deleterious introduction of high levels of trace (BSMM), Crystal Seas Marine Mix Bioassay (CSMMB), detected in CWC (Fig. 3). For these three elements, elements to the aquarium. In this study, we analyzed Coralife (CL), Tropic Marin (TM), Reef Crystals (RC), the general pattern is the same. BSMM had levels of the concentration of several trace elements in Red Sea (RS) and Oceanic Sea Salt (OSS). Also each element that were 4 to 32 times higher than the synthetic sea salts developed for marine aquaria and presented in Table 3 are the data for a natural seawater next highest sample. For two of the elements (Mn and compared the results to natural seawater from the product for use in marine aquaria, Catalina Water Ni) CSMMB was that next highest sample; for Mo the coast of California to determine if there were Company (CWC), and natural seawater (NSW-M). second highest SSS was TM. Of all the trace elements significant trace element differences between these The detection limit (DL) for each element and mean assayed, Mo is the one highest in natural seawater at two sources of seawater for aquaria. published values for the concentration of the elements an average of 10 ppb. The values for NSW-M (13.4 in seawater are also presented (Table 3). Continued on page 2 ©2004 Aquarium Systems, Inc., Mentor, OH - Printed in U.S.A. Chemical Analysis of Trace Elements... Continued from page 1 Table 2. The Mean Concentration and Type of Distribution Table 1. of Some Common Trace Elements in Seawater (ppm) The Eleven Major Elements or Constituents in Seawater (g/kg) Aluminum (Al) 0.000270 mid-depth minima Manganese (Mn) 0.000027 depleted at depth Antimony (Sb) 0.000146 ? Molybdenum (Mo) 0.010 conservative Sodium (Na+)* 10.781 Chloride (Cl-)* 19.353 - - Beryllium (Be) 0.0000002 nutrient, scavenged Nickel (Ni) 0.000470 nutrient Magnesium (Mg++)* 1.284 Sulfate (SO4 )* 2.712 ++ - Cadmium (Cd) 0.000079 nutrient Silver (Ag) 0.0000027 nutrient, complexed Calcium (Ca ) 0.4119 Bicarbonate (HCO3 ) 0.126 Chromium (Cr) 0.000208 nutrient Thallium (Tl) 0.000012 conservative Potassium (K+)* 0.399 Bromide (Br-)* 0.0673 Cobalt (Co) 0.000001 depleted at surface Vanadium (V) 0.002 slight surface depletion Strontium (Sr+) 0.00794 Boric Acid (H3BO3) 0.0257 Fluoride (F-)* 0.00130 Copper(Cu) 0.000254 nutrient, scavenged Zinc (Zn) 0.000392 nutrient Lead (Pb) 0.000002 high in surface waters *For these chemicals there is no evidence that their concentration varies within any of the major ocean water masses (Pilson 1998). *adapted from Pilson 1998 ppb) and CWC (11.4 ppb) were close to the average seawater value. All the SSS tested, except BSMM, contained less than 10 ppb Mo. BSMM had a MO between these levels with a total value of 73.78 ppb. an order of magnitude higher than the next lowest SSS. concentration of 87 ppb Mo. TM was closest to the However, looking at the total amount of the trace CSMMB had the greatest amount of Al of all SSS tested NSW average with a Mo value of 9 ppb. elements in a sample does not present a complete and also had significantly higher concentrations of five Determined values for Mn in the SSS ranged from picture of analysis. While Tropic Marin (TM) had the other elements (Sb, Cr, Pb, Mn and Ni) compared to a low of 7.5 ppb in TM to a high of 135 ppb in BBMM lowest total trace element value, it did have substantial the other SSS besides BSMM. amounts of certain elements. Eight of the fifteen trace with the remaining SSS having values between 22 and Discussion 35 ppb. NSW-M was found to contain 8 ppb Mn while elements tested were detectable in TM. TM had the highest amount of cadmium (0.31 ppb) which was only The results of this study demonstrate that the vast Mn was undetectable in CWC. majority of synthetic sea salts for use in marine aquaria Nickel was the only trace element, besides Mn and detected in one other sample (BSMM - 0.24 ppb). TM was also one of the few sample with detectable do not have concentrations of the trace elements Mo, that was detected in every sample. Nickel was examined that are substantially greater than that of the lowest in the OSS sample (0.37 ppb) which is lower amounts of zinc with a value of 4.1 ppb. This zinc value was surpassed only by Red Sea (RS - 5 ppb) and natural seawater available to the marine hobbyist. than the average of NSW (0.47 ppb) followed by CWC Furthermore, for some trace elements natural and NSW-M. BSMM had the highest amount of Ni at Catalina Water Company (CWC - 21 ppb). The low overall total value for TM is due to the fact that it had seawater had a greater value than some of the 108 ppb. CL and CSMMB were the next highest SSS at synthetic sea salts. Moreover, Catalina Water 3.3-3.4 ppb. The rest of the SSS had Ni values ranging lowest Mn value of all the SSS tested, having only roughly a third of the Mn as most of the other SSS Company, which is a natural seawater product, had a from 1.1 to 2.2 ppb. lead value that was one to two orders of magnitude When considering the results from the standpoint (Table 3). In contrast to Tropic Marin, only five of the fifteen higher than other samples. It is clear that most of the total amount of trace elements determined, the synthetic sea salts do not add substantial amounts of samples fall roughly into two groups with values below measured elements were detected in Instant Ocean (IO) which had the second lowest total amount of trace levels to aquaria when compared to the natural that of the natural seawater sample and then three seawater available to the majority of hobbyists. samples with values higher or much higher than natural trace elements. No element was found in greatest concentration in IO, and IO had the lowest amount of However, whether this is beneficial or detrimental seawater (Fig. 4, Table 3). The first group, consisting to the aquarium environment is not known. As of TM, IO and RC, had total measured values ranging Mo for all samples. Furthermore, nearly 93% of the total amount of measured trace elements in IO came previously mentioned, there are no scientific studies from 25 to 32.4 ppb and were the lowest tested. The applicable to marine aquaria which allow one to say second group, with values ranging from 39 to 44 ppb, from just two elements: Mn at 78% and Mo with 14.6%. The third SSS in the group with the lowest with a high degree of confidence that a certain amount included OSS, RS and CL and was close to the value of a particular trace element is absolutely necessary in determined for NSW-M of 44.68 ppb. Two SSS and amounts of measured trace elements was Reef Crystals with a value of 32.39 ppb (Table 3). Made by the marine aquarium or that a constant low level of a CWC had total trace elements values greater than certain element may cause a poisoning of the aquarium. NSW-M. CSMMB had a total value of 58.21 while the same company that manufactures IO, but designed BSMM concentration was 361.31 ppb. CWC fell in to contain certain trace elements and minerals for Continued on page 3 reef tanks, it is not surprising that RC is close 4.0 25 to, but slightly higher than IO, in terms of 3.5 Antimony (Sb) 20 Aluminum (Al) trace metal concentration. Again, like IO, RC 3.0 15 did not contain the highest amount of any 2.5 ppb 10 2.0 DL 8.0 trace element for the SSS tested and slightly ppb 5 1.5 over 77% of the total trace elements was due 1.0 0 NSW 0.27 NSW-M CWC IO BSMM CSMMB CL TM RC RS OSS to one element (Mn) with another 13% due 0.5 NSW 0.146 to Mo. 0.0 DL 0.1 30 The second group of SSS, Oceanic Sea NSW-M CWC IO BSMM CSMMB CL TM RC RS OSS 25 Chromium (Cr) 20 Salt (OSS), Red Seas (RS) and Coralife (CL), 2 0.4 while having a total amount of the trace Cadmium (Cd) ppb elements measured lower than NSW had 0.3

NSW 0.208 varying amounts of additional elements when 0 DL0.2 compared to the first group of SSS. For 0.2 DL 0.2

NSW-M CWC IO BSMM CSMMB CL TM RC RS OSS ppb instance, both RS and CL were two of three 40 SSS with measurable levels of zinc and RS has 0.1 NSW 0.079 35 Lead (Pb) the highest zinc level of all SSS tested (Table 30 5 0.0 3). OSS had one of the highest amounts of NSW-M CWC IO BSMM CSMMB CL TM RC RS OSS ppb chromium (1.65 ppb) and lead (1.7 ppb) for all SSS and was the only seasalt with detectable 2.5 0 DL 0.3 Vanadium (V) NSW 0.002 levels of silver and thallium. However, OSS did NSW-M CWC IO BSMM CSMMB CL TM RC RS OSS 2.0 NSW 2.0 have the lowest amount of Ni for all samples 25 tested. 1.5

20 Zinc (Zn) ppb The two remaining SSS tested, CSMMB 1.0 15 5 and BSMM, had slightly higher and

ppb considerably higher total amounts of 0.5 DL0.2 DL 2.0 measured trace elements, respectively. BSMM 0.0 0 NSW 0.392 had a total of 361.31 ppb of trace elements NSW-M CWC IO BSMM CSMMB CL TM RC RS OSS NSW-M CWC IO BSMM CSMMB CL TM RC RS OSS and had the greatest amount of five of the Fig. 2. Trace element values of antimony, cadmium and vanadium in eight synthetic sea salts, one natural Fig. 1. Trace element values of aluminum, chromium, lead and zinc in eight synthetic sea salts, one natural sea water product and natural seawater. Dashed line on each plot show value for natural seawater. Dotted line sea water product and natural seawater. Dashed line on each plot show value for natural seawater. Dotted line twelve elements detected in all samples (Sb, represent the detection limit for the analysis of that element. represent the detection limit for the analysis of that element. Note broken axis for chromium, lead and zinc. Cr, Mn, Mo, and Ni). For many of these five elements, the amounts found in BSMM were Chemical Analysis of Trace Elements... Continued from page 2

Table 3. Determined values for 15 trace elements in seawater and several commercially available synthetic sea salts in ppb Crystal Seas BioSea Element Tropic Instant Reef Natural Marine Mix Catalina Marine Detection Natural Marin Ocean Crystals Oceanic Red Sea Coralife Seawater Bioassay Water Mix Limit* Seawater** (TM) (IO) (RC) (OSS) (RS) (CL) (NSW-M) (CSMMB) (CWC) (BSMM)

Aluminum (Al) ND ND ND ND ND ND 20.0 10.0 ND ND 8.0 0.270 Antimony (Sb) 0.24 0.61 0.62 0.18 0.18 ND 0.36 1.40 0.28 3.50 0.1 0.146 Beryllium (Be) ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND 0.2 0.000 Cadmium (Cd) 0.31 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND 0.24 0.2 0.079 Chromium (Cr) ND 0.29 0.46 0.65 0.51 ND ND 1.00 ND 27.0 0.2 0.208 Cobalt (Co) ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND 0.1 0.001 Copper (Cu) ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND 3.0 0.254 Lead (Pb) 0.82 ND ND 1.70 0.37 0.57 ND 1.81 39.0 0.57 0.3 0.0020 Manganese (Mn) 7.50 22.0 25.0 28.50 29.0 30.0 8.0 35.0 ND 135.0 1.0 0.027 Molybdenum (Mo) 9.0 4.10 4.20 7.10 5.10 7.20 13.40 4.40 11.40 87.0 0.5 10.000 Nickel (Ni) 2.0 1.10 1.80 0.37 2.20 3.30 0.92 3.40 0.90 108.0 0.3 0.470 Silver (Ag) ND ND ND 0.35 ND ND ND ND ND ND 0.2 0.0027 Thallium (Tl) ND ND ND 0.14 ND ND ND ND ND ND 0.2 0.0120 Vanadium (V) 0.87 ND 0.31 0.21 ND ND 2.00 1.20 1.20 ND 0.2 2.000 Zinc (Zn) 4.10 ND ND ND 5.0 2.90 ND ND 21.0 ND 2.0 0.392 Total Amt. (ppb) 24.84 28.10 32.39 39.20 42.36 43.97 44.68 58.21 73.78 361.31 13.8638 *Detection Limit refers to the lowest possible detection limit within the seawater matrix and analytical procedures of the analyses **Values for Natural Seawater are from Pilson (1998) ND - not detected, below detection limit

This is one area in need of much research. may first seem and further illustrates the problem with element values in synthetic sea salts authors would Conversely, while the results of toxicity studies relying on published general values for NSW. Pilson want to compare values in the salts with those of done on fish and some corals allow one to predict that (1998) relates how atmospherically transported dust, natural seawater. However, that view assumes that high concentrations of some trace elements would be rich in clays containing aluminum, may be the cause of hobbyists have access to natural seawater with trace detrimental to the aquarium environment, the results the surface enrichment of aluminum. This could element values that match the values in the book or of this study show that most synthetic sea salts do not certainly be the case with the natural seawater sample paper the author is referring to. The results of this contain such dangerously high levels of trace elements in this study which was collect just beyond the surf study show that this is a false assumption. Natural for this to be a concern to the aquarist. zone off Malibu State Beach, CA. seawater that is available to the hobbyist comes from It must be realized that the data herein are only The high values of lead and zinc in the natural near shore sources and it should not be surprising that for one sample of each product at one time and seawater from Catalina Seawater Company is most water quality in these oceanic zones differs greatly subsequent analysis may produce different values. This likely due to fuel fumes associated with the ship from that of more remote oceanic areas. could be especially acute for any natural seawater collecting the seawater and the truck used to transport A question in the back of the minds of researchers product because of biotic and abiotic environment the collected seawater. High surface concentrations of is - how good are the data? For this study that means factors such as rain, algae blooms, ship traffic off the lead in seawater have been linked to atmospherically how correct is the analysis? There are several ways to near coast, etc. In fact, trace elements in synthetic sea transported lead mainly from the exhausts of check the validity of the data. A seawater reference salts would probably vary less over time because automobiles and trucks (Pilson 1998). standard with known values was run along with the manufacturers of these products have more control It is perhaps natural that in discussing trace samples of this test. The determined values for the over the raw materials used to make the product reference standard were in close agreement with the compared to the total lack of control over the known values which tells one that the analytical natural oceanic environment. 150 methods (ICP-MS and ICP-MS/DRC) were Many of the determined trace element 125 Manganese (Mn) sufficiently accurate for this examination. Further 100 values for the natural seawater samples in this 50 support for the validity of the test analytical study were much higher than published values methods can be found by looking at some of the

(Table 3). However, published values are by ppb values for select trace elements for natural necessity generalizations. Actual values will vary 25 seawater. For example, one of elements tested, due to locale and local factors that have to be molybdenum is conservative and has a mean value taken into consideration. For example, Pilson 0 DL 1.0 in the ocean of 10 ppb, with a range of 9.2 to 10.5 (1998) noted that lead is high in surface waters NSW-M CWC IO BSMM CSMMB CL TM RC RS OSS NSW 0.027 (Table 2) (Pilson 1998). The determined values for most likely due to anthropomorphic reasons. natural seawater in this study, 11.4 to 13.4 ppb, 90 are in close agreement with these data adding There are many other potential reasons why the 80 Molybdenum (Mo) 70 determined values in NSW may be much higher 60 validity to the analytical procedure. than average published values for NSW. First, 20 In fact, this study may be the first to analyze the actual concentration of any trace element in natural seawater samples alongside samples of ppb NSW will vary considerably spatially and 10 synthetic sea salts. Earlier studies on trace element temporally. Furthermore, water samples taken in NSW 10.0 concentrations in SSS did not include natural coastal areas and near major metropolitan areas seawater samples for reasons unknown. Atkinson would be expected to have elevated 0 DL 0.5 and Bingham (1997) analyzed a number of concentrations of many elements due to run-off, NSW-M CWC IO BSMM CSMMB CL TM RC RS OSS commercial sea salts but did not actually include a winds from the coastland, exposure to polluted seawater sample. Instead they listed values for 110 air, upwelling, shipping traffic in the ocean 100 various elements and ions in seawater. Nickel (Ni) channels off the coast, and associated factors. 90 Atkinson and Bingham (1997) included a Plus, primary productivity can be very high in 10 number of sea salts in their analysis that were also coastal areas which can affect the concentration included in the present study (IO, TM, RC, RS, and ppb of many trace elements as organisms consume 5 CL). In general, their determined values for most and recycle nutrients, including trace elements, in trace elements were much higher than the values the course of their natural life cycles. found in this study. The most likely explanation for 0 NSW 0.47 Consider that the natural seawater sample DL 0.3 these differences is that the analytical method used (NSW-M) in this study was determined to have NSW-M CWC IO BSMM CSMMB CL TM RC RS OSS by Atkinson and Bingham (1997) to determine the highest amount of Al of all samples with a Fig. 3. Trace element values of manganese, molybdenum and nickel in eight synthetic sea salts, one trace element concentration in the sea salts was value of 20 ppb. This value is not as strange as it natural sea water product and natural seawater. Dashed line on each plot show value for natural seawater. Dotted line represent the detection limit for the analysis of that element. Note broken axis for each element. Continued on page 4 Chemical Analysis of Trace Elements... TRACE ELEMENT VALUES IN SEA SALTS AND NATURAL SEAWATER 80 400 Aluminum (Al) Manganese (Mn) Continued from page 3 73.78 361.31 Antimony (Sb) Molybdenum (Mo) not sufficiently precise and was subject to 70 350 interferences which caused false high readings. Cadmium (Cd) Nickel (Ni) Atkinson and Bingham (1997) used Inductively Coupled Plasma emission spectroscopy (ICP) for their 60 Chromium (Cr) Vanadium (V) 58.21 300 analysis. The current study used either ICP-MS or Lead (Pb) Zinc (Zn) ICP-MS/DRC for the trace element analysis. These 50 250 methods are more precise than ICP and can yield 43.97 44.68 much better data. ICP-MS/DRC is used specifically to 42.36 remove interferences associated with the masses of 40 39.20 200 ppb various elements during ICP-MS that can cause false ppb high reading for certain elements such as chromium, 32.39 copper, nickel and vanadium. Shimek (2002a) 30 28.10 150 reported the analysis of a sample of Instant Ocean 24.84 made with reverse osmosis/deionized (RO/DI) water for trace elements using ICP scan. His results were 20 100 more like those of this study; cadmium, chromium, lead, and manganese were below the test detection limits. However, he also failed to include a natural 10 50 seawater sample for comparison and the ‘average’ natural seawater presented were incorrect (Shimek 0 0 2002b). Tropic Instant Reef Oceanic Red Sea Coralife Natural Crystal Catalina BioSea The chemical analysis of trace elements is not a Marin Ocean Crystals Sea Salt Seawater Seas Water Co. Marine straightforward task. A trace element at a Marine Mix Mix concentration of 1 µg/kg (1 ppb) in seawater is in a NSW or Sea Salt Brand Bioassay matrix of elements and compounds that total nearly Fig. 4. The total concentration of fifteen trace elements in several brands of synthetic sea salts, a natural seawater 35,000,000 µg (Pilson 1998). Contamination during product and natural seawater from the coast of California along with a break-out of the ten elements found in highest sampling, interference between elements, swamping concentration. Note that BioSea Marine Mix is displayed on a different scale since it contained such a greater amount of of the signal for one element by another element in several elements. much greater concentration plus many other factors combine to make the analysis difficult. Cu Zn and Cd, have known biologically roles (Morel just a hard to determine analytical value. However, this In addition to the technical difficulties, the fact and Price 2003). In fact, the surface depletion of most study demonstrated several important conclusions in that many of the trace elements have a biological role trace metals is due to uptake by plankton (Morel and regards to comparing synthetic sea salts to natural such that their concentration will vary throughout the Price 2003). This leads to the situation where the seawater that should be of major importance to water column depending upon plankton uptake and concentration of many trace metals is orders of marine aquarists: recycling leaves one to conclude that for many non- magnitude greater in the plankton compared to the 1) most synthetic sea salts do not have high levels of conservative elements valves will range considerably. water in which the plankton live. Trace metals can also many trace elements, The concern over trace element concentrations be transferred and concentrated in the body of 2) natural seawater is not automatically a safe in synthetic sea salts is due to the fact that some trace organisms at different trophic levels in the marine food alternative to synthetic sea salts when it comes to elements, also known as heavy metals, are toxic to web (Twining and Fisher 2004). comparing amounts of trace elements in the two marine organisms. However, heavy metal toxicity is a Three other major factors that confound efforts solutions, complex phenomenon, especially so in marine to determine actual toxicity levels of many heavy 3) past comparisons of synthetic sea salts to natural environments. The straightforward question of what metals are solubility, speciation and chelation. The seawater are flawed because they compared is the toxic concentration of a specific metal is not analytically determined value of any heavy metal may synthetic sea salts to a hypothetical natural seawater easily answered. Furthermore, a dozen or so metals not equate to the actual amount of the metal available, that is not available to the majority of marine with an atomic mass over 50, including Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, either for nutritional purposes or toxic effects, in the hobbyists, and seawater environment. Pilson (1998) states that it is 4) synthetic sea salts are quite acceptable for long-term known that some metals, such as Fe, Co, Cu and Zn, use in marine aquaria when considered from the are quite strongly complexed with organic matter in viewpoint of not adding detrimental concentrations PUBLICATION INFORMATION seawater and provides a detailed example, using Cu, of of trace elements to the system. SeaScope® was created to present short, informative how toxicity is affected by this interaction. Briefly, studies have shown that the toxicity of copper is due Acknowledgments articles of interest to marine aquarists. Topics may We wish to thank Elena Toy, Jennifer Westerlund and Jason include water chemistry, nutrition, mariculture, system to the concentration or activity of the free copper ion Niemans for their assistance with this study. design, ecology, behavior, and fish health. Article in solution. However, it has been calculated that about References contributions are welcomed. They should deal with 90% of the copper ion in seawater (at 15°C and normal Anonymous. 1985. Synthetic Sea Salts: Trace Elements, But So pertinent topics and are subject to editorial reviews pH) is complexed mostly with carbonate and some Much More. SeaScope Vol 2 Spring 1985 page 1. that in our opinion are necessary. Payments will be hydroxyl ions. Taking into account the activity Anonymous. 1990. Trace elements and Sea Salt Mixes. SeaScope coefficient of the copper ion, Pilson calculates that only Vol 7 Summer 1990 page 1. made at existing rates and will cover all author's rights Atkinson, M.J. and C. Bingham. 1997. Elemental composition of to the material submitted. 2% of the actual Cu concentration is in the free (toxic) commercial seasalts. J. Aquari. & Aqua. Sci. 8:39-43. SeaScope® is published quarterly for free distribution form. Kennish, M.J. 1994. Practical Handbook of Marine Science, 2nd Ed. through local aquarium dealers. Dealers not receiving Morel and Price (2003) state that for metals such CRC Press Boca Raton. 566p. copies of SeaScope® for distribution to their as Fe, Co, Cu, Zn and Cd the bulk of the dissolved Kremling, K., M.O. Andreae, L. Br¸gmann, C.M.G. van den Berg, A. concentration in seawater is present in the nonreactive Prange, M. Schirmacher, F. Koroleff and J. Kuss. 1999. customers should call Aquarium Systems, Inc. to be Determination of Trace Elements p. 253-364. In: Methods of added to the mailing list. Telephone: 1-800-822-1100. (nontoxic) form at the ocean surface. The working Seawater Analysis 3rd ed. K. Graddhoff, K. Kremling and M. Ehrhardt The SeaScope® newsletter is now available on-line at theory is that this is due to the metals being bound to eds. Wiley-VCH Weinheim, Germany. some strong unknown ligands (or binding molecule) Morel, F. M. M. and N. M. Price. 2003. The Biogeochemical Cycles www.marineland.com under the News tab. Go to the of Trace Metals in the Oceans. Science 300(5621):944-947. ® with a small fraction of the metals being colloidal. “What’s New” section and choose SeaScope Pilson, M.E.Q. 1998. An Introduction to the Chemistry of the Sea. newsletter for the most recent issue. These putative ligands, or chelators, some of which Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, N.J. 431p. Address comments, questions, and suggestions to have been shown to be from biogenic sources are Shimek, R.L. 2002a. It’s (In) The Water. Reefkeeping Online. Dr. Timothy A. Hovanec, Editor. presumed to detoxify the metals and possibly assist www.reefkeeping.com Feb. 2002. Marineland, 6100 Condor Dr., Moorpark, CA 93021 with metal transport and sequestration (Morel and Shimek, R.L. 2002b. It is Still In The Water. Reefkeeping Online. Price 2003). www.reefkeeping.com Mar. 2002. or E-Mail: [email protected] Twining, B. S. and N. S. Fisher. 2004. Trophic transfer of trace Aquarium Systems is a Marineland Company In summary, trace element testing and toxicity are metals from protozoa to mesozooplankton. Limnology and complex and many factors must be considered besides Oceanography 49(1):28-39. FREE ISSN 1045-3520

Volume 21 Issue 4, 2004

Habitattitude™ – Get It What is Habitattitude™? It is a major national initiative to increase public awareness of the potential problems with aquatic invasive species. The initiative was developed by the Photo by Blane Perun national Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force and its partner organizations in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), the National Sea Grant College Program, and many state fish and wildlife agencies. The goals of the campaign are to raise awareness of the issue amongst aquarium owners and water gardeners, get the support of these two groups for responsible behaviors and educate members of these groups on ways to prevent the introduction of potentially invasive species. Why is Habitattitude™ Important? Invasive species have the potential to become major environmental and/or economic problems. In general invasive species are organisms that are released in an area in which they are not native to. Thus in almost all cases an invasive species is also a non-native species. However, the alternative is not true: not all non-native species are also invasive species. Many times the source of the initial introduction of the invasive species is not known but for aquatic species the aquarium and water garden hobbies are often, and many times unfairly, blamed. Habitattitude™ was developed to be a tool and campaign to teach consumers on how to adopt a conservation mindset and learn about the issue and alternative ways to releasing unwanted aquatic plants and animals. What you can do. For individuals and consumers the campaign has detailed resources at a web site whose address is www.habitattitude.net. In general Habitattitude™ encourages you The Hot Pink mushroom Ricordia yuma. to prevent the introduction of non-native species by not disposing of unwanted aquatic species in the nearest body of water. Instead, Propagation of the well I could lose the investment in twenty-four steps one should take include contacting a retailer to see if they hours. If there was a loss at the very least I would would take the specimen, contacting a local aquarium or water Ricordia yuma have documented the methods I took so the next garden society to see if they would take the organism, or giving bereaved soul could benefit from the knowledge I By Blane Perun from WWW.Farms-of-TheSea.Com the species to another aquarist, pond owner or water gardener. acquired. With such a diminished natural resource If you are a member of a local aquarium, koi or water Spending nearly four months of constant search the desire to keep a specimen like this really does gardening club you can bring Habitattitude™ to the attention of and negotiation trying to obtain a Hot Pink Ricordia not leave many options other than aquaculture. fellow members and set-up an organized way to accept donations yuma; I knew if I was lucky enough at some point to Presently the collection pool seems to be nearly of aquatic species no longer wanted by other community find one I would have to do something other than drained so possibly anyone reading this article that members. Perhaps consider contacting a local store and setting-up just take the piece to market. In my spare time I had may have been keeping one or multiple polyps in a program to take unwanted fish and plants that the store owner searched around and asked a few people in the captivity may wish to emulate these propagation could not otherwise accept. industry if they had experience with the species in techniques in hopes of keeping the species available For stores owners, a goal of Habitattitude™ is to provide captivity and had they witnessed any natural on the collectors market. each store with a set of education materials including posters, shelf reproduction. I’m sure there are people out there Necessity often is the drive behind invention talkers and other materials branded with the Habitattitude™ logo but my search had not turned up anyone. My only and risk; it certainly was in this case. The easier (Fig. 1). Manufacturers of aquarium and pond supplies along with game plan at this point was to apply what I had option of releasing the item at retail had absolutely other groups in these industries will also be working with the learned in propagation of other mushrooms to the no appeal to me whatsoever. I have had tremendous member organizations of Habitattitude™ to help spread the Yuma. success in propagating the Ricordia florida and to a campaign message. Luck turned in my favor one day and I was able lesser extent (demand-based) Rhodactis. I, like most Habitattitude™- Get it and become to track down two pieces from a wholesaler in of us out there tinkering with propagation, began part of the solution which I had recently opened an account. For any with the Discosoma, which seems to be nearly storeowners out there, sometimes the beginning of indestructible. the relationship is when you get your best and most Based on previous experience with Discosoma, rare specimens, so don’t be afraid to ask. I was a bit watching natural multiplication though lateral fission, surprised at the wholesale price, but searching I noticed that a very small piece of mushroom, if around on the web seeing what these specimens attached, could mature into a nice-sized specimen in went for retail, I eventually saw the big picture. due time. However the same principle had not I promised myself at whatever the final price; I always been true for me when it came to Rhodactis. would attempt propagation of the Yuma knowing full Continued on page 2

©2004 Aquarium Systems, Inc., Mentor, OH - Printed in U.S.A. Propagation of the Ricordia yuma

Continued from page 1

From my experience they seemed more sensitive after propagation, requiring more care and less light intensity until they heal. Oddly enough I have cut a Photo by Blane Perun quarter sized Ricordia florida into about 16 pieces and saw them mature to small eraser sized polyps in just a short time. Certainly one rule that had applied to any mushroom I had worked with was that a single slice down the middle seemed to be the least intrusive and had the quickest rebound time. After much contemplation my objective was to cut the specimen in half, and let it heal then cut each piece in half once more. The variables here for me were the healing time and whether the polyp would heal at all. At the beginning I figured I could try propagating some other Yumas I had here to see if I noticed anything unusual about them or how they reacted to the incision and most importantly how they healed. The first step for me then and now was to provide the propagated specimen with some fresh The underside of the R. yuma after the cut. clean substrate; in this case I use Florida Crushed Coral. I pour a bit into a Solo container, just layer on the disk, this one was very thick in enough to weight it down in the water. I used the comparison. In fact, it was a little difficult to cut high container because from past experience the through fast and clean without a tearing motion. frags would come out of the shorter ones due to water movement. In the case of this first Yuma, which I had grown Photo by Blane Perun for months now, I would have to separate the base from the plug that it had been growing on. Don’t be intimidated convincing the foot to loosen. It ís not

that difficult, even if its been attached for years. The Photo by Blane Perun trick is don’t tear at the disk or foot itself, but slightly pry it off. Actually if you look around the perimeter of the foot you should notice a section that has just enough room to slip in a blunt-edged tool. Take note I said blunt edge, you don’t want to The two cut pieces healing lacerate the foot, the coral will need to expend all its energy on healing the cut to be made. internals and the strength of that wall, the specimen Next put the specimen on a plastic cutting Another photo of R .yuma after the cut. could not close in on itself with the ease Ricordia board. Avoid using wood it can harbor bacteria. florida does, or other Yumas for that matter. I was Make sure you wet the board with saltwater from Another surprise, mega guts. We have all seen very glad I moved to these hang-on breeders so I your tank, I find that this aids in some extent in Mushrooms expel them from time to time, but I did would be able to keep close tabs on the healing avoiding a lot of sliming. You then want to secure not expect so much. Looking at the photo you can process. That day I had checked on the piece at least the specimen between two fingers, each on the left see the strength of the walls and the rigidity of the five or six times, and was pretty surprised everything and right side of the mouth. Then slowly compress intestine cavity. Most mushrooms after being cut looked good. I had noticed, however, in contrast to the disk and you should see water expel from the have the appearance of jelly. With half of the foot the other Ricordias, Yumas certainly slimed up mouth if there is any left. This step could also be gone, this guy still stands perfectly and the wall around the rear on the incision, particularly near the done in the tank, but I have a tendency to let them strength was not expected. On the same token I intestines. I took care to gently squirt off the group slip through my fingers. was beginning to realize that I had no experience two to three times a day with a small pipette. This Now the cut: don’t hesitate and make sure with anything like this and had hoped the principles I was a tedious but necessary process I believe. A lack your tool is clean and sharp! Before I cut I typically applied to other Mushrooms would work here. of care in this area may have led to infection. I had check the condition of the foot, and try to ensure I had contemplated, with the amount of Continued on page 3 the cut provides an equal amount of foot for each half. In my case I am using a pair of new, very sharp scissors and am propagating this specimen into four equal-sized pieces. After waiting about a week I noticed the Yumas healing nicely and had not run into any complications Photo by Blane Perun

during the process. All in all it felt like working with a Photo by Blane Perun large bumpy Discosoma. I figured now would be as good as a time as any to emulate this process one more time with the intended. Starting out in much the same manor, identifying where I want to make the cut by a close inspection of the base. All of the sudden “bam”, cutting through this was entirely different than any Ricordia I have ever propagated. The disk had the consistency of a vinyl-based plastic and was very thick. As where other Mushrooms seems to have a very thin elastic Front and back views as the healing process continues. Close up of the underside of the healing R. yuma. Photo by Blane Perun specimens Iworkedwith( is wheretheprocessseemedtodifferfromother early on,thenthingsreallybegantoslowdown.This would makegoodfoodforasmallfishonthereef. closing offtheintestineswithfoot,itseemsthey that theenergyhadnotbeendirectedtowards pie withapieceortworemoved.Iwassurprised immediately thehalfcirclelookedmorelikeasmall appearance onaarcinsteadofflatdisk.Almost constricting verticallytobegintakingonthe wound, thediskbegantighteninghorizontallyand first directeditsenergy.Oncethefootclosed cylinder onceagain.Thisiswherethemushroom contorting itselftocloseinandformacomplete the healingprocess. most dramaticonesinthisarticlesoyoucanwitness taken severalphotosadayandhaveincludedthe Propagation ofthe Now therearetwoalmost100%healedHotPink Discosoma at leastpaidmuchattentiontowith be formed.ThisisnotsomethingIhad witnessedor intestines forabsorptionfeedinguntil amouthcould this mushroomisforcedtoexpose a sectionofthe since therewasnotafunctioningmouth apparatus; was leftexposedatthetopofdisk. Myguessis for protection,withtheexceptiona portionofit internals, thefoothadengulfedintestinalregion outer wallshadfusedwiththediskclosingoff energy seemedtobedirectedtowardthefoot. not, butitmaypointtothereasonallofinitial could havesomethingtodowiththewallrigidityor foot closinginfromallsidestoengulfthisarea.This I mentionedwassurprisedthathadnotseenthe the diskandsealoffvulnerableintestinearea.As foot expandingfromthebottomtomeettopof Once thepolypwasabout75%closedInoticed contrast theanimalisuniformlysoftandflexible. noticeable forwardprogresseachdayandin of growth andclosingofawound.Whereinthecase rigid thatthehealingprocessisacombinationof alike). Ibelieveitisduetothefactthatdiskso observations. takes placequicker andthereislesstimefor Discosoma It appearedthatmuchoftheactivityhappened Most impressivewasthespeedoffoot At thispointthespecimenwas90%closed; or , themushroomseemstomake Rhodactis mainly becausethe process Rhodacits Ricordia yuma Continued frompage2 and Ricordia florida Ricordia R. yuma , my trialsandtribulationsatwww.thesea.org www.farms-of-thesea.com can findmypropagatedspecimensat Ricordia yuma observations. IntheendtherewerefourHotPink interesting andIhadlearnedalotfrommy coral tooandveryunnatural.Theprocesswas but Ithinkinretrospectitwasverytaxingonthe into two.Thehealingtimeandpatternwassimilar, repeated theprocesscuttingeachofthesepolyps mushrooms. About twomonthsafterthislastphotoI where therehadonlybeenone!You and youcanreadabout Customer Service(800)241-7485• Perfecto Manufacturing • Noblesville,IN46060 www.marineland.com SeaScope to the“What’sNew”sectionandchoose www.marineland.com undertheNewstab.Go Dealers notreceivingcopiesof distribution throughlocalaquariumdealers. SeaScope rights tothematerialsubmitted. made atexistingratesandwillcoverallauthor's in ouropinionarenecessary.Paymentswillbe topics andaresubjecttoeditorialreviewsthat are welcomed.Theyshoulddealwithpertinent behavior, andfishhealth.Articlecontributions nutrition, mariculture,systemdesign,ecology, aquarists. Topicsmayincludewaterchemistry, informative articlesofinteresttomarine SeaScope mailing list.Telephone:1-800-822-1100.The Aquarium Systems,Inc.tobeaddedthe distribution totheircustomersshouldcall SeaScope PUBLICATION INFORMATION or E-Mail:[email protected] 93021 Marineland, 6100CondorDr.,Moorpark,CA Dr. TimothyA.Hovanec,Editor. to Address comments,questions,andsuggestions issue. Aquarium SystemsisaMarinelandCompany ® ® newsletter isnowavailableon-lineat ® ® newsletter forthemostrecent is publishedquarterlyforfree was createdtopresentshort, 50 Assembled Dimensions: Aquariums Fits all75and90Gallon 48” x18”SanibelStand 50 Assembled Dimensions: Fits all55GallonAquariums 48” x13”SanibelStand 32 Assembled Dimensions: Gallon Aquariums Fits all20L,29and37T 30” x12”SanibelStand in Fruitwoodfinish. Rattan. Availableexclusively Ready toAssembleHardwood S UPC # Item # UPC # Item # UPC # Item # PECIFICATIONS 1 1 1 / / / 4 4 4 ”L x20 ”L x14 ”L x14 047497642221 047497641927 047497641729 64222 64192 64172 1 3 3 / / / 2 8 8 ”W x30 ”W x30 ”W x30 SeaScope 1 1 1 / / / 4 4 4 : ”H ”H ”H ® for Photo by Dr. Peter Wirtz Photo by Dr. Peter Wirtz invertebrates and are amongthefewanimalsthat probably servesforsmelling. it ismostlikelyachemosensoryorgan; thatisit of thisstructureisstillnotknownwith certaintybut head ofthewormiscalledacaruncle. Thefunction large pleatedandbranchedredappendage onthe each segmentbearsapairofred,branched gills.The segments. Inadditiontothetwotufts ofbristles, to greenish,withgoldenringsbetweenthe article, thecoloroffirewormcanvaryfromred By Dr.PeterWirtz Fire! bristles. When feelingthreatenedthefirewormspreadsits Verde Islands Fire wormfeedingon you willneverbeabletoremoveallofthem. some ofthebristleswithscotchtapebutbeware the name“fireworm”!Youcantrytoremove burning sensationthatcanlastforweeks.Therefore skin, wheretheybreakoffandcauseanintense touch afireworm!Thebristleseasilypenetratethe threatened itcanspreadthesebristles.Donot tufts ofwhitebristles.Whenthefirewormfeels reasons. Eachoftheupto125segmentsbearstwo Mediterranean Sea. tropical Atlantic,andinthewarmerpartsof sediments, onbothsidesofthesubtropicaland a finger.Itlivesonmanydifferenttypesofocean a lengthof30cmandcangrowtothethickness This isanimpressivespeciesforseveral The Fireworm Fire wormspreyon manydifferent As canbeseeninthephotosaccompanyingthis Hermodice carunculata Tubastrea coral attheCape reaches Any carriononthebottom oftheseawillsoonbecovered in fireworms attract themfromfaraway.Soon,thecorpseis bottom ofthesea,fromjellyfishtotruefish,will worms arescavengers.Anydeadanimalonthe food. Inadditiontopreyingoninvertebrates,fire feeding, themouthisevertedandplacedover contain jawsbutsharpridgesforscraping.For other predators.Themouthoffirewormsdoesnot defenseless, theydonothavetohidefromfishesor are day-activeanimals.Astheyanythingelsethan on victim. additional firewormsthatthenalsoattempttofeed most likelythesmellofwoundedpreyattracts worms appearto“co-operate”insubduingprey.But for instancebrittlestars.Sometimes,severalfire overwhelm animalslargerthanthemselves,suchas hydrocoral suchas such as from theanemone.Firewormsalsopreyoncoral, worms, thusre-payingtheprotectionitreceives anemone Periclimenes yucatanicus even eatseaanemones!TheCaribbeanshrimp The redorganonthetopofhead,calledacaruncle,probablyservesforsmelling. In contrasttomostbristleworms,fireworms Tubastrea Condylactis gigantea and manyotherspecies,on Millepora is saidtodefenditshostsea . Theycaneven against approachingfire set upforthem. surely meritacloserlookinanaquariumspecially colored, day-activeanimals.Theirbehaviorwould it withyourfingers!). be removedwithaforceps(remember:don’ttouch accidentally introducedintotheaquariumcaneasily they donotreproducerapidlyandanyfireworm however, notposeagreatthreattotheaquarist: sooner orlateralsofallpreytothem.Theydo, aquarium, fromseaanemonetobrittlestar,would the coral.Mostotherinvertebratesinsame aquarium containingcoralbecausetheywouldeat course, theyarecompletelyunsuitedforan transport andeasytokeepinanaquarium.Of entirely coveredinamassoffireworms. Environmental Microbiology spring-summer vectorforthecoralbleachingpathogen marine fireworm Sussman, M.,Y.Loya,M.Fine,E.Rosenberg Literature: On theotherhand,firewormsareattractively Fire wormsarerobustanimalseasyto Hermodice carunculata 5 : 250-255. is awinterreservoirand . 2003.The Vibrio shiloi.

Photo by Dr. Peter Wirtz Photo by Dr. Peter Wirtz