Giant Pacific Octopus (Enteroctopus Dofleini) Care Manual
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Giant Pacific Octopus Insert Photo within this space (Enteroctopus dofleini) Care Manual CREATED BY AZA Aquatic Invertebrate Taxonomic Advisory Group IN ASSOCIATION WITH AZA Animal Welfare Committee Giant Pacific Octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) Care Manual Giant Pacific Octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) Care Manual Published by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in association with the AZA Animal Welfare Committee Formal Citation: AZA Aquatic Invertebrate Taxon Advisory Group (AITAG) (2014). Giant Pacific Octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) Care Manual. Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Silver Spring, MD. Original Completion Date: September 2014 Dedication: This work is dedicated to the memory of Roland C. Anderson, who passed away suddenly before its completion. No one person is more responsible for advancing and elevating the state of husbandry of this species, and we hope his lifelong body of work will inspire the next generation of aquarists towards the same ideals. Authors and Significant Contributors: Barrett L. Christie, The Dallas Zoo and Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park, AITAG Steering Committee Alan Peters, Smithsonian Institution, National Zoological Park, AITAG Steering Committee Gregory J. Barord, City University of New York, AITAG Advisor Mark J. Rehling, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Roland C. Anderson, PhD Reviewers: Mike Brittsan, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Paula Carlson, Dallas World Aquarium Marie Collins, Sea Life Aquarium Carlsbad David DeNardo, New York Aquarium Joshua Frey Sr., Downtown Aquarium Houston Jay Hemdal, Toledo Zoo Jill Marvin, Quebec Aquarium Pete Mohan, Akron Zoological Park, AITAG Chair Mike Schaadt, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Ed Bronikowski, Smithsonian’s National Zoo AZA Staff Editors: Debborah Luke, PhD, Senior Vice President, Conservation & Science Maya Seaman, MS, Animal Care Manual Editing Consultant Cover Photo Credits: Jesse Cohen, Smithsonian Institution, National Zoological Park Disclaimer: This manual presents a compilation of knowledge provided by recognized animal experts based on the current science, practice, and technology of animal management. The manual assembles basic requirements, best practices, and animal care recommendations to maximize capacity for excellence in animal care and welfare. The manual should be considered a work in progress, since practices continue to evolve through advances in scientific knowledge. The use of information within this manual should be in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning the care of animals. While some government laws and regulations may be referenced in this manual, these are not all-inclusive nor is this manual intended to serve as an evaluation tool for those agencies. The recommendations included are not meant to be exclusive management approaches, diets, medical treatments, or procedures, and may require adaptation to meet the specific needs of individual animals and particular circumstances in each institution. Commercial entities and media identified are not necessarily endorsed by AZA. The statements presented throughout the body of the manual do not represent AZA standards of care unless specifically identified as such in clearly marked sidebar boxes. Association of Zoos and Aquariums 2 Giant Pacific Octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) Care Manual Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 5 Taxonomic Classification ...................................................................................................................... 5 Genus, Species, and Status ................................................................................................................. 5 General Information ............................................................................................................................... 5 Chapter 1. Ambient Environment ...................................................................................................... 12 1.1 Temperature and Humidity .......................................................................................................... 12 1.2 Light ................................................................................................................................................. 14 1.3 Water and Air Quality .................................................................................................................... 15 1.4 Sound and Vibration ..................................................................................................................... 20 Chapter 2. Habitat Design and Containment .................................................................................. 22 2.1 Space and Complexity .................................................................................................................. 22 2.2 Safety and Containment ............................................................................................................... 27 Chapter 3. Transport ............................................................................................................................. 32 3.1 Preparations ................................................................................................................................... 32 3.2 Protocols ......................................................................................................................................... 34 Chapter 4. Social Environment ........................................................................................................... 36 4.1 Group Structure and Size ............................................................................................................ 36 4.2 Influence of Others and Conspecifics ........................................................................................ 36 4.3 Introductions and Reintroductions .............................................................................................. 38 Chapter 5. Nutrition ............................................................................................................................... 39 5.1 Nutritional Requirements .............................................................................................................. 39 5.2 Diets ................................................................................................................................................ 44 5.3 Nutritional Evaluations .................................................................................................................. 48 Chapter 6. Veterinary Care .................................................................................................................. 49 6.1 Veterinary Services ....................................................................................................................... 49 6.2 Identification Methods ................................................................................................................... 53 6.3 Transfer Examination and Diagnostic Testing Recommendations ........................................ 54 6.4 Quarantine ...................................................................................................................................... 54 6.5 Preventive Medicine ...................................................................................................................... 57 6.6 Capture, Restraint, and Immobilization ...................................................................................... 60 6.7 Management of Diseases, Disorders, Injuries and/or Isolation.............................................. 60 Chapter 7. Reproduction ...................................................................................................................... 72 7.1 Reproductive Physiology and Behavior ..................................................................................... 72 7.2 Assisted Reproductive Technology ............................................................................................ 74 7.3 Pregnancy, Egg-laying/Parturition .............................................................................................. 74 7.4 Birthing/Hatching Facilities .......................................................................................................... 75 7.5 Assisted Rearing ........................................................................................................................... 75 7.6 Contraception ................................................................................................................................. 79 Chapter 8. Behavior Management ..................................................................................................... 80 8.1 Animal Training .............................................................................................................................. 80 8.2 Environmental Enrichment ........................................................................................................... 80 8.3 Staff and Animal Interactions ...................................................................................................... 93 8.4 Staff Skills and Training ................................................................................................................ 93 Chapter 9. Program Animals ..............................................................................................................