“Often what is common knowledge is not common practice,

and research which does not guide action is not worth doing.”

As scientists, we do a lot of research. But what for?

I thought I’d share this interesting excerpt about “research”.

Superficial research will always tell you things that you know. It rarely gets beneath the surface and the surface is there for anybody to see.

Also, it is easy to read the results of research and ‘recognise them’ as thing which you knew. However, few people would be able to predict the actual results in advance…

It is one thing to know the results of research, it is another to have sufficient information to act. Often what is common knowledge is not common practice, and research which does not guide action is not worth doing.

Taken from Customer Service Handbook, published by Centre for Professional Development.

A great tool to fight crime is now a great tool to study fish behaviour.

Aquacultural Engineering
Volume 46, Number 1 (January 2012)
	A computer-vision system and methodology for the analysis of fish behavior
	Authors:	Vassilis M. Papadakis1,2, Ioannis E. Papadakis1,3, Fani Lamprianidou 1, Alexios Glaropoulos 1, Maroudio Kentouri 1
	Author Affiliations:	1: Biology Department, University of Crete, P.O. Box 2208, Heraklion, Crete 70013, Greece 2: Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas, Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, P.O. Box 1385, Heraklion, Crete 71110, Greece 3: Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Aquaculture, P.O. Box 2214, Heraklion, Crete 71003, Greece
	Source:	Aquacultural Engineering, Volume 46, Number 1 (January 2012)
	Page Numbers:	53 – 59
	Available Full Text:	Full Text: Subscription Required to view full text Format: PDF Size: Unknown Location: Publisher’s Site Authentication: Publisher’s Site
	Abstract:	? A low cost system was developed to quantitatively detect specific behavioral traits. ? Related activities were successfully detected. ? The system provides high accuracy measurements in time. ? Remote observation through web interface to eliminate behavioral alterations caused by human presence. ? Stocking density affects sea bream interaction with aquaculture net.
	Citation:	Vassilis M. Papadakis, Ioannis E. Papadakis, Fani Lamprianidou, Alexios Glaropoulos, Maroudio Kentouri . A computer-vision system and methodology for the analysis of fish behavior. Aquacultural Engineering, Volume 46, Number 1 (January 2012), pp. 53-59,
	URL:	http://ejournals.ebsco.com/direct.asp?ArticleID=46CE8351126808FC028B

The Same happens in these fish:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-11220559

Did you know that a lot of science goes into producing fish food? In some of my older posts (written by Ms Jessie Poon), you can gauge that there are lots to think about. Some have better nutritional values than others. Some pollute the tank less. The article below talks about certain aspects of feed as it relates to feeding crayfish.

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Now on: Twitter – Blog – Facebook – Linkedin

Aquaculture Volume 325, Number 9 (January 2012) Manufacturing pellets with different binders: Effect on water stability and feeding response in juvenile Cherax albidus Authors: M.G. Volpe, E. Varricchio, E. Coccia, G. Santagata, M. Di Stasio, M. Malinconico, M. Paolucci Author Affiliations:

Source: Aquaculture, Volume 325, Number 9 (January 2012) Page Numbers: 104 – 110 Available Full Text:

Abstract: In this study, we used natural polysaccharides (pectin, alginate and chitosan) as binders to generate pellets for crayfish feeding. Pellets were produced by cold extrusion in order to preserve nutrients from degradation and reduce energy consumption. Thereafter, pellets were submitted to a coating procedure, with the aim of improving pellet stability in water. Pellet water stability was analyzed by monitoring the diameter of the released particles in water over progressive time intervals up to 24h, employing a Low Angle Laser Light Scattering Technique. Alginate containing pellets released particles with a smaller diameter than chitosan and pectin containing pellets, indicating that alginate containing pellets disaggregated more and therefore were less stable in water than the other pellet types. The effects of the different polysaccharide containing pellets were evaluated on crayfish feeding response employing juvenile Cherax albidus. The feeding experiment was carried out for 12weeks, at the end of which growth parameters and the activity of amylase, lipases and proteases in the gastric juice, hepatopancreas and intestine were recorded. Crayfish fed pectin containing pellets exhibited a significant weight gain. Digestive enzyme activities did not statistically show significant differences in the digestive tract except for amylase that was significantly higher in the intestine of animals fed pectin containing pellets. Our data indicate that pectin and chitosan pellets showed the best water stability performances, moreover pectin pellets brought about the highest body weight gain and affected the amylase profile in the intestine of juvenile Cherax albidus. Citation: M.G. Volpe, E. Varricchio, E. Coccia, G. Santagata, M. Di Stasio, M. Malinconico, M. Paolucci . Manufacturing pellets with different binders: Effect on water stability and feeding response in juvenile Cherax albidus. Aquaculture, Volume 325, Number 9 (January 2012), pp. 104-110, URL: http://ejournals.ebsco.com/direct.asp?ArticleID=4DC0A53FB285FB8A145B

“With increasing numbers of pet and production fish operations, veterinarians will be expected to have the abilities and knowledge to diagnose and treat aquatic species and provide a standard of care commensurate with other commonly treated animal species. As their caseloads of aquatic species increase, veterinarians will come into contact with zoonotic diseases specific to aquatic species that have been of little concern when dealing with terrestrial animals. Certain pathogens pose a specific potential threat to veterinarians, pet owners, and producers working with finfish species. Although there is an extensive list of pathogens that are communicable to humans from aquatic species via consumption, pathogens can also be encountered during examination, handling, and treatment of aquatic species. It is important for veterinarians to be aware of the clinical signs that are associated with these specific zoonoses and ways to minimize risk of exposure to the causative organisms.”

Read full article here:

Aquatic zoonoses associated with food, bait, ornamental, and tropical fish

Membership allows you to access a wide range of resources including contact with leading aquatic veterinarians through the listserve, providing expert opinion on a case, diagnostic imagery and peer review, Publications such as the quarterly Aquatic Vet News keep you up to date with professional developments and issues within aquatic veterinary medicine. The image library can help in research or to jazz up those PowerPoint presentations! Whilst the aquatic vet WebCEPD provides live webinars, themed courses and presentations suitable for training staff, relicensure or personal professional development.

Check out WAVMA’s website: http://www.wavma.org/

The warmer Summer weather means that it is the peak time of the year when bacterial infections and other diseases break out if the environmental conditions are suboptimal.

When disease hits, you will need to act quickly and upon the advice of your fish veterinarian.

This article is timely.

Bacteria and ornamental fish

I have to say that my shark hasn’t strayed and is still in my house… at least it was the last time I checked…

http://www.watoday.com.au/travel/travel-news/airline-pilot-startled-by-flying-shark-20120104-1pk9o.html