UNIT 21: AQUATICS AND FISHKEEPING

Unit 21: Aquatics and Fishkeeping

Unit code: J/503/1723 QCF level: 5 Credit value: 15 x Aim

This unit aims to develop learner understanding of fish biology, aquatic invertebrates and aquatic management, as well as their practical skills in maintaining of aquatic species in appropriate conditions. x Unit abstract

In this unit learners will explore the factors that an aquarium employee or ornamental fish farmer need to understand. The unit focuses on the work involved at an aquarium, aquatic centre, specialist pet centre or similar, and the ideas in this unit are major considerations for this area of the industry. Certain aquaria around the world use these skills to support species on the verge of collapse and, as such, have developed in-depth breeding programmes. Examples of the skills developed in this unit can be seen around the world for example an aquarium in California has been able to establish Scorpion fish in captivity, a species notoriously difficult to breed, by applying a knowledge of water requirements and health management strategies. x Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit a learner will: 1 Understand the taxonomy and biology of ornamental aquatic species 2 Be able to establish, monitor and interpret freshwater and marine community aquaria and ponds 3 Understand appropriate aquatic health management strategies 4 Understand procedures and practices relating to the acquisition, transportation, holding and supply of aquatic organisms.

BH023310 – Edexcel BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals units in Animal Management – Issue 1 – June 2011 © Edexcel Limited 2011 107 UNIT 21: AQUATICS AND FISHKEEPING

Unit content

1 Understand the taxonomy and biology of ornamental aquatic species

Origins : evolution; taxonomy; nomenclature; classification; geographic origins of species and occurrence; water types; habitats External anatomy : morphology; skin; mucous; scales; fins; lateral line; eyes; mouth eg jaw structure; species – specific external features eg catfish barbels Internal anatomy : systems – form and function; gastro-intestinal tract and feeding style; gills and adaptations for air breathing; liver; spleen; kidneys; circulatory system; skeletal/muscular system; nervous system

2 Be able to establish, monitor and interpret freshwater and marine community aquaria and ponds

Establishment : livestock requirements eg suitability as pets, species compatibility, feeding requirements, space and habitat provision; water quality eg ammonia, chlorine, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, pH, temperature, salinity, conductivity, general hardness, total hardness, buffering, hydrogen sulphide, dissolved gases; filtration eg filter types and suitability, biological filtration, chemical filtration, mechanical filtration Monitoring : water quality checks; chemical test kits; electronic systems eg aqua control systems, monitoring software, WiFi enabled tanks, tank cameras Maintenance : maintenance regimes eg sterilisation, UV sterilisation, carbon dioxide systems, foam fractionisation, reverse osmosis, ozone generators

3 Understand appropriate aquatic health management strategies

Health monitoring : techniques; observation; signs of health; information sources; diagnostic techniques Health maintenance : good husbandry; hygiene; feeding; protocols; stress avoidance/relief; prophylaxis; isolation; quarantine; first aid techniques Common disease conditions : transmission; causal agents; aetiology; signs; effects; prognosis; prevention and treatment; trauma conditions, notifiable and zoonotic disease implications, administration of medicaments, legislation, euthanasia

4 Understand procedures and practices relating to the acquisition, transportation, holding and supply of aquatic organisms

Sources of livestock : wild caught; farmed; capture methods; controls; sustainable harvesting Supply chains : catchers; farmers; breeders; exporters; importers; consolidators; wholesalers; retailers, economics

BH023310 – Edexcel BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals units in Animal Management 108 – Issue 1 – June 2011 © Edexcel Limited 2011 UNIT 21: AQUATICS AND FISHKEEPING

Transport: requirements eg IATA – LAR container requirements; WATO; Veterinary Checks Directive; management eg packing, handling, loading, administration, consignee, consignor and airline responsibilities, health and safety requirements Legislation : CITES; CBD; WACA; Import of Live Fish Act; fish health legislation Welfare : principles; environmental appraisal; welfare issues; welfare legislation; codes of conduct and guidelines; environmental health/licensing inspections Conservation : issues; environmental quality; vulnerability and threats; MAC; conservation organisations; the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA)

BH023310 – Edexcel BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals units in Animal Management – Issue 1 – June 2011 © Edexcel Limited 2011 109 UNIT 21: AQUATICS AND FISHKEEPING

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria

Learning outcomes Assessment criteria for pass

On successful completion of The learner can: this unit a learner will: LO1 Understand the taxonomy 1.1 examine the comparative evolution and classification and biology of ornamental of fish and aquatic invertebrates aquatic species 1.2 explain how the anatomy and physiology of fish is adapted to cope with life in aquatic environments 1.3 compare various breeding strategies to determine their advantages and disadvantages 1.4 recommend aquatic breeding strategy for a given scenario LO2 Be able to establish, 2.1 evaluate the suitability of fish and aquatic invertebrates monitor and interpret in relation to the dynamics of given community aquaria freshwater and marine 2.2 maintain water quality parameters in aquaria and community aquaria and ponds correctly over a given period ponds 2.3 examine the advantages and disadvantages of the range of aquatic filtration options LO3 Understand appropriate 3.1 explain the relationship between correct husbandry aquatic health and fish health management strategies 3.2 review the causes and effects of common fish diseases, their prevention and treatment 3.3 examine the significance of zoonotic and notifiable conditions and outbreak management 3.4 recommend appropriate first aid treatments for a range of trauma conditions and their subsequent management techniques LO4 Understand procedures 4.1 review sources of supply in relation to fish/aquatic and practices relating to invertebrate health, welfare, conservation, the acquisition, sustainability, economics and legislation transportation, holding and 4.2 explain transport requirements in relation to fish supply of aquatic health, welfare, economics and legislation organisms 4.3 evaluate natural aquatic environments in relation to quality, vulnerability, threats and conservation management 4.4 discuss the role of the retailer in the promotion of responsible fish ownership

BH023310 – Edexcel BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals units in Animal Management 110 – Issue 1 – June 2011 © Edexcel Limited 2011 UNIT 21: AQUATICS AND FISHKEEPING

Guidance

Links

This unit links with the following units within this qualification: Unit 2: Animal Husbandry Management Unit 3: Animal Health and Welfare Unit 6: Work-based Experience Unit 10: Anatomy and Physiology Unit 13: Animal Law and Ethics Unit 16: Management of Animal Collections Unit 18: Animal Nursing Unit 33: Project Management for Land-based Industries .

Essential requirements

Sufficient library resources must be available to enable learners to achieve the unit, including a biological dictionary, a veterinary dictionary and a range of textbooks/media covering taxonomy, classification, fish anatomy and physiology, ecology, fish keeping, fish health, marine biology, pet trade, animal transportation, animal-related legislation, welfare and conservation. Learners will also need access to equipment/consumables including tanks, filters, thermostats, heaters, substrate, plant material, water quality test kits, transportation carriers, dissection kits, and fish models. Regular supervised access to a range of fish species for routine husbandry and management, and laboratory access, is essential and could be enabled by forming links with local aquaria or aquatics suppliers. Animal welfare requirements must be paramount at all times. Animals must not be subjected to stress or overuse during delivery of this unit.

Employer engagement and vocational contexts

Learners would benefit from having access to a suitable working environment. Often this can be achieved by establishing links with local businesses or charitable organisations who may benefit from taking on learners. Local aquaria and aquatic suppliers are a good source of information and are often keen to share their knowledge with students. Charitable organisations can provide guest speakers to give lectures and demonstrations.

BH023310 – Edexcel BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals units in Animal Management – Issue 1 – June 2011 © Edexcel Limited 2011 111