Japanese Spider Crab (Macrocheira kaempferi) CARE MANUAL CREATED BY THE AZA Aquatic Invertebrate Taxon Advisory Group IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE AZA Animal Welfare Committee Japanese Spider Crab (Inachidae/Macrocheira) Care Manual Japanese Spider Crab (Inachidae/Macrocheira) 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. (2014). Japanese Spider Crab Care Manual. Silver Spring, MD: Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Original Completion Date: June 2015 Authors and Significant Contributors: Mitch Carl, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Chris Coco, Georgia Aquarium Marie Collins, SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium at LEGOLAND® California Resort Robert Estes, SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium at LEGOLAND® California Resort Cassie George, Aquarium of the Pacific Lance Hayes, SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium at LEGOLAND® California Resort Jay Hemdal, Toledo Zoo Nate Jaros, Aquarium of the Pacific Pete Mohan, Akron Zoo Sandy Trautwein, Aquarium of the Pacific Reviewers: Barrett L. Christie, Dallas Zoo and Children's Aquarium at Fair Park J. Charles Delbeek, Steinhart Aquarium Josh Frey Sr., Downtown Aquarium Houston Brian Nelson, National Aquarium in Baltimore Jennifer Rawlings, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden AZA Staff Editors: Felicia Spector, M.A., Animal Care Manual Editor Consultant Debborah Luke, PhD, Senior Vice President, Conservation & Science Cover Photo Credits: Jay Hemdal, Toledo Zoo 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 Japanese Spider Crab (Inachidae/Macrocheira) Care Manual Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 5 Taxonomic Classification ...................................................................................................................... 5 Genus, Species, and Status ................................................................................................................. 5 General Information ............................................................................................................................... 5 Chapter 1. Ambient Environment ........................................................................................................ 8 1.1 Water Temperature ......................................................................................................................... 8 1.2 Water Quality ................................................................................................................................... 9 1.3 Light ................................................................................................................................................... 9 1.4 Sound and Vibration ..................................................................................................................... 10 Chapter 2. Habitat Design and Containment .................................................................................. 11 2.1 Space and Complexity .................................................................................................................. 11 2.2 Safety and Containment ............................................................................................................... 12 Chapter 3. Records ................................................................................................................................ 14 3.1 Definitions ....................................................................................................................................... 14 3.2 Types of Records .......................................................................................................................... 14 3.3 Permit Considerations .................................................................................................................. 15 3.4 Identification ................................................................................................................................... 15 Chapter 4. Transport ............................................................................................................................. 16 4.1 Preparations ................................................................................................................................... 16 4.2 Protocols ......................................................................................................................................... 17 Chapter 5. Social Environment ........................................................................................................... 18 5.1 Group Structure and Size ............................................................................................................ 18 5.2 Influence of Others and Conspecifics ........................................................................................ 18 5.3 Introductions and Reintroductions .............................................................................................. 18 Chapter 6. Nutrition ............................................................................................................................... 20 6.1 Nutritional Requirements .............................................................................................................. 20 6.2 Diets ................................................................................................................................................ 20 6.3 Nutritional Evaluations .................................................................................................................. 21 Chapter 7. Veterinary Care .................................................................................................................. 22 7.1 Veterinary Services ....................................................................................................................... 22 7.2 Transfer Examination and Diagnostic Testing Recommendations ........................................ 22 7.3 Quarantine ...................................................................................................................................... 23 7.4 Preventive Medicine ...................................................................................................................... 24 7.5 Capture, Restraint, and Immobilization ...................................................................................... 25 7.6 Management of Diseases, Disorders, Injuries and/or Isolation.............................................. 26 Chapter 8. Reproduction ...................................................................................................................... 28 8.1 Reproductive Physiology and Behavior ..................................................................................... 28 8.2 Pregnancy, Egg-laying, and Larval Rearing ............................................................................. 28 Chapter 9. Behavior Management ..................................................................................................... 29 9.1 Animal Training .............................................................................................................................. 29 9.2 Environmental Enrichment ........................................................................................................... 29 9.3 Staff Skills and Training ................................................................................................................ 29 Chapter 10. Research ............................................................................................................................ 31 10.1 Known Methodologies ................................................................................................................ 31 Association of Zoos and Aquariums 3 Japanese Spider Crab (Inachidae/Macrocheira) Care Manual 10.2 Future Research Needs ............................................................................................................. 32 Chapter 12. Other Considerations ....................................................................................................