The Fish Vet's Blog

Now that spring is well and truly here, a lot of people have been asking me about the possibility and logistics behind using hormonal induction for breeding fish. Koi are highly fecund and you might ask why we use hormones. Hormones do not magically make your fish fertile. They can only exert their effects at the right time, to help speed up the final maturation process.

What are the benefits to artificially spawn fish? I’ve listed a few below:

1. Ability to select breeding pairs,
2. Ability to check fertility of male fish (sperm motility and shape can be assessed microscopically),
3. Be able to compress & synchronise spawning period for ease of management,
4. Increased chances of fertilisation and yield,
5. And last but not least, by increasing the percentage of eggs fertilised, it reduces the likelihood of unfertilised eggs contaminating healthy ones when they degenerate and grow bacteria and fungi.

I’d like refer you to one of my previous posts for a pictorial summary of the process – https://thefishvet.com/2012/02/02/pictorial-guide-for-fish-breeding-using-hormones/

Please note that veterinarians are only allowed to prescribe and/or dispense medicines to clients who have a genuine ‘veterinary-client-patient-relationship’ (V.C.P.R.).

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Yours sincerely,

Dr Richmond Loh DipProjMgt, BSc, BVMS, MPhil (Pathology) Murdoch, MANZCVS (Aquatics & Pathobiology), CertAqV.
Aquatic Veterinarian | Adjunct Lecturer Murdoch University | President-elect WAVMA |

Secretary Aquatic Animal Health Chapter – ANZCVS.
The Fish Vet, Perth, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA.

Mobile Veterinary Medical & Diagnostic Services for fish and other aquatic creatures.
http://www.thefishvet.com.au
Ph: +61 (0)421 822 383

Looking for more books? Check out this site.

I get this question a lot, and you’re probably thinking that each time you call yet another fish shop for advice. To their defence, they are trying to help and can only give advice based on the information you provide, and based on their experiences. So it’s not unusual for each shop to offer you different advice.

Sometimes they are given more information, and may even be brought the fish to look at, and water to test. These will bring customers closer to a diagnosis.

However, for me to make a diagnosis, I’d need to have all that, plus be able to examine the fish by microscopy. If I don’t, do this, I’d just be playing a guessing game. One could make a diagnosis of the low pH in the goldfish pictured on the right, but it’s impossible to definitively tell the client that their axolotl has Trichodina and that they’d need to clean up their water as the primary step and to say that the goldfish in the middle has skin flukes and needs treatment with praziquantel.

I must have evidence to suggest to my clients what’s the next step and we always get the results. There is no short cut to getting the right diagnosis.

In the field, these are the steps I take towards making a diagnosis.

This is the latest hot topic on the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association’s email list-serve at the moment. It’s really great to see colleagues from all over the world contributing towards each other’s cases.

What’s so great about this forum is that we get responses in a timely manner, PLUS all this information cannot be easily found by consulting Dr Google, and they’re not taught at universities. This is all based on member knowledge and experiences that is being shared.

So, if you’re an aquatic veterinarian, you must join your colleagues by becoming a member of the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association.

Please follow this link –
http://www.wavma.org/Become-a-member

That’s a good idea. Now’s about the time you should be preparing your new ponds to take fry. In commercial setups, green water will save you on feed costs.

	Delayed Feeding of Channel Catfish Fry Stocked in Ponds
	Authors:	Charles C. Mischke, T. E. Greenway, M. J. Griffin, M. H. Li, D. J. Wise
	Author Affiliations:	no affiliations available
	Source:	Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, Volume 44, Number 5 (October 2013)
	Page Numbers:	750 – 755
	Available Full Text:	Full Text: Subscription Required to view full text Format: PDF Size: unknown Location: Publisher’s Site Authentication: EBSCOhost EJS
	Abstract:	We compared production variables between channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, nursery ponds fed according to industry standards, that is feeding immediately at stocking, to an alternative practice of delaying feeding for 6 wk after stocking in an effort to utilize natural pond productivity and reduce feed use. Twelve 0.04?ha ponds were fertilized and stocked with swim-up fry (4–5 d posthatch) at a rate of 10,000/pond (250,000/ha). Ponds were then randomly assigned to either the standard feeding protocol (feeding daily starting immediately at stocking) or an alternative feeding protocol (no feeding until 6 wk post-stocking). After 18 wk of production, there were no differences in water quality or zooplankton abundance between the two treatments. Fish length was not affected by treatment throughout the study, and survival and total weight harvested were similar. Total kg of feed fed was significantly reduced in the delayed feed treatment, averaging 26?kg/pond less feed fed. If proper fertilization practices are implemented, large numbers of desirable zooplankton for catfish fry culture are attained, and these zooplankton are able to sustain catfish fry stocked up to 250,000/ha. Therefore, no commercial diets are required during the first 6 wk of culture, saving over $95.55/ha in initial feed costs.
	Citation:	Charles C. Mischke, T. E. Greenway, M. J. Griffin, M. H. Li, D. J. Wise . Delayed Feeding of Channel Catfish Fry Stocked in Ponds. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, Volume 44, Number 5 (October 2013), pp. 750-755, <http://ejournals.ebsco.com/direct.asp?ArticleID=4277AFE096CF8E5CB7F2&gt;
	URL:	http://ejournals.ebsco.com/direct.asp?ArticleID=4277AFE096CF8E5CB7F2

VETERINARY CLINICAL REGISTRAR
AVIAN REPTILE & EXOTIC PET HOSPITAL
FACULTY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE
REFERENCE NO. 2234/1013

• Coordinate clinical services, ensure clinical standards, teach students and develop the client base
• Camden location
• Full-time fixed term, remuneration package: up to $100K p.a. which includes leave loading and up to 17% super

The University of Sydney is Australia’s first university and has an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. It employs over 7300 permanent staff, supporting over 50,000 students.

The Avian Reptile & Exotic Pet Hospital (AREPH) is a veterinary hospital, a referral centre for exotic pets and wildlife and a teaching facility all in one. It offers a range of routine and complex services to a varied and unique caseload covering birds, exotic pets, and reptiles. Based in a modern facility in Camden this centre operates with a dedicated team of people focussed on delivering outstanding care to its unique range of clients. It is part of the Veterinary teaching Hospitals operated by the University of Sydney providing a rich and rewarding learning environment to staff and students.

We currently have an opportunity available for a suitably qualified Veterinary Registrar to take charge of day-to-day treatment services within the Hospital. You will be responsible for providing high quality consultation surgery and medical treatment services for first opinion and referred clients. The service is growing rapidly and you will have the opportunity to grow the caseload further through your own skill and dedication.

The applicant will have the opportunity to develop clinical care policies and procedures, information for client and dealing with interest groups and partner organisations. As the person responsible for the effective day to day operation of the clinic, the Veterinary Registrar will:

• work with the Director of AREPH to create a sustainable high quality service
• determine effective processes of client engagement
• follow up on referred cases and manage the continuum of care for clients
• participate on an on-call roster for after-hours emergencies cases and advice
• provide clinical training to students and junior veterinarians.

To qualify for this position you will have:

• degree in veterinary science registrable in NSW
• sound experience in the medical care of birds reptiles, exotic pets and native species in a multi-veterinarian practice/hospital
• ability to cope with emergency & stressful situations
• strong diagnostic and therapeutic clinical skills in medicine and surgery
• a desire to implement best-practice principles in provision of veterinary services
• ability to teach undergraduate veterinarians sound principles of exotic pet medicine and surgery
• ability to show leadership and initiative in further development of the client base for the service.

The position is full-time fixed term for one year initially, subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period. Renewals may be available subject to funding and need.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website.Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number for more information and to apply.

Remuneration package: up to $100,413 p.a. (which includes a base salary of $84,851 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

Enquiries can be directed to Fang Zhou on (02) 8627 1235.

CLOSING DATE: 5pm 7 November 2013

The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups and women are encouraged. The University of Sydney has also established a scheme to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff employed across the institution. Applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged.

© The University of Sydney

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—
Yours sincerely,

Dr Richmond Loh DipProjMgt, BSc, BVMS, MPhil (Pathology) Murdoch, MANZCVS (Aquatics & Pathobiology), CertAqV.
Veterinarian | Adjunct Lecturer Murdoch University | President-elect WAVMA |
Secretary Aquatic Animal Health Chapter – ANZCVS.
The Fish Vet, Perth, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA. Mobile Veterinary Medical & Diagnostic Services for fish and other aquatic creatures.
http://www.thefishvet.com.au
Ph: +61 (0)421 822 383

Looking for more books? Check out this site.

Q: which fish is the best at playing the card matching game?

A: The snapper.

Be sure to check back here every Monday for more of these!

—
Yours sincerely,

Dr Richmond Loh
DipProjMgt, BSc, BVMS, MPhil (Pathology) Murdoch, MANZCVS (Aquatics& Pathobiology), CertAqV.
The Fish Vet, Perth, Western Australia.
Veterinary Medicine for fish.
W: http://www.thefishvet.com.au
E: thefishvet
P: +61 (0)421 822 383

Today I attended the official launch of “Don’t dump that fish program.”

It was opened by Prof. Lyn Beazley and Stuart Smith, Director General of the Dept of Fisheries (pictured below).

Did you know that 24/34 exotic fish species found in west Australian waterways are ornamental fish? The most common of these are the common carp, goldfish, rosy barbs and one spot livebearers.

The Dept is currently targeting the Tandanus catfish at Marmion Reserve, Murray cod in Harlem Lake in Como and the spangled perch and convict cichlids in other water bodies.

We need to do our part to protect our natural waterways from pests and diseases. Help spread the word.

For more information, go to
http://fish.wa.gov.au/biosecurity

Download the brochure by clicking here – Don’t dump that fish brochure

Weeds can be unsightly in the well manicured gardens. But the use of herbicides are potentially detrimental to aquatic life.

What are some options available?
• manual removal.
• out competing with dense planting.
• mulching around garden beds.
• installing weed mat.
• using an implement that creates steam to damage weed foliage.

But if you have to use herbicide sprays, you could spray on a still day (no wind). Also, I just saw this product advertised on TV which might be a lot safer for your fishes.

You can check it out at this link –
http://www.roundup-garden.com/roundup-gel

Many submersible aquarium heaters are encased in glass and there is a risk of breakage especially if in a tank of large boisterous fish.

The other problem with having a heater physically in the aquarium is that fish may get burnt by the heating element if they lie on it.

What are some alternatives? At the local fish shops, I’ve come across several alternatives.

• The first is to house the heater separately from the main tank – i.e. either in the filter compartment or sump.

• The second is to put a protective sleeve over the heater.

• A third way is to have a heater that’s fixed into the water line.

• You can also purchase a tough plastic encased heater that’s designed to take the rough and tumble of large fishes.

If you have any more great solutions to fish issues, please do share.

For those interested in viewing microscopic pathology and haematology of aquatic animals, you can find some pictures at these links:

• http://tinyurl.com/tfv-microscopy

• http://tinyurl.com/tfv-haematology

Follow me on: Facebook “Fin Page” – YouTube – Blog – Linkedin – Twitter

—
Yours sincerely,

Dr Richmond Loh DipProjMgt, BSc, BVMS, MPhil (Pathology) Murdoch, MANZCVS (Aquatics & Pathobiology), CertAqV.
Veterinarian | Adjunct Lecturer Murdoch University | President-elect WAVMA |
Secretary Aquatic Animal Health Chapter – ANZCVS.
The Fish Vet, Perth, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA. Mobile Veterinary Medical & Diagnostic Services for fish and other aquatic creatures.
http://www.thefishvet.com.au
Ph: +61 (0)421 822 383