Papers by Barrett Christie
Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research, 2022
An account of the first documented spawning of the pipefish Microphis aculeatus (Syngnathidae) is... more An account of the first documented spawning of the pipefish Microphis aculeatus (Syngnathidae) is presented. Pipefishes and seahorses are sex-reversed and males brood ova, displaying a level of parental investment extraordinary among teleost fishes. Pipefishes are known to exhibit complex courtship rituals, described here for M. aculeatus from a series of spawning events in a captive population at a public aquarium. Reproductive individuals ranged from 125-145 mm (male) and 136-144 mm (female) in total length giving a first estimate of size at maturity for the species. Spawning events (n=19) occurred in November over a period of 10 days immediately following illumination of the exhibit, suggesting that lighting is a primary cue in reproductive behaviour for this species. The courtship behaviour is initiated by males and can be divided into five distinct phases (described herein) which are characterised by displays of body quivering, rostral pointing, caudal fin fanning and curvature of the body into a distinctive "S" shaped curve while displaying the ventral side (harbouring the brood pouch) towards the female. Respiration rates were markedly increased during copulatory behaviour, peaking at 128 min-1 (male) and 120 min-1 (female). The observations of breeding and ventilation rates have implications for the nutritional status, age class and general husbandry practices required for spawning these pipefishes in an aquarium.
Gulf and Caribbean Research
Gulf and Caribbean Research, 2020
David M. Hudson1,2,3*, Barrett L. Christie1, Luis A. Gómez—Lemos4, Camilo Valcarcel5, Diego Duque... more David M. Hudson1,2,3*, Barrett L. Christie1, Luis A. Gómez—Lemos4, Camilo Valcarcel5, Diego Duque5, Juan Camilo Zárate Arévalo6, Jaime Rojas6, Otto Reyes5, Milena Marrugo5, Maria Rosa7, Israel A. Caicedo Torrado4, Diana Tarazona8, and Carlos Zuluaga8
Gulf and Caribbean Research 31(1): SC18-24.
Cybium, 2020
Since the description of Ogcocephalus vespertilio by Linnaeus in 1758, very little has been known... more Since the description of Ogcocephalus vespertilio by Linnaeus in 1758, very little has been known of the reproduction of the Ogcocephalidae. It has been assumed that they produce gelatinous egg rafts based on their scroll type ovaries similar to other lophiiform fishes, but that had yet to be confirmed. This report provides the first documentation of spawning behaviour and estimates of fecundity in any ogcocephalid fish from observations of Ogcocephalus cubifrons (Richardson, 1836) held at an aquarium. The fishes were found to spawn every other day, producing egg rafts containing between 2,404 and 5,973 ova that measured 1.33 ± 0.1 mm in diameter. Females of this species appear to become sexually mature at or around 21-23 cm TL corresponding to an age of 8-9 years. Notes on the courtship behaviour of O. cubifrons are also presented.
Depuis la description d’Ogcocephalus vespertilio par Linné en 1758, on sait très peu de choses sur la reproduction des Ogcocephalidae. Sur la base de leurs ovaires en forme de rouleau on a supposé qu’ils produisaient des radeaux gélatineux d’œufs comme d’autres poissons lophiiformes, mais cela restait à confirmer. Ce rapport fournit la première documentation sur le comportement de frai et des estimations de la fécondité chez un ogcocephalidé à partir d’observations de spécimens d’Ogcocephalus cubifrons (Richardson, 1836) en aquarium. Les poissons ont frayé tous les deux jours et produisaient des radeaux à œufs contenant entre 2 404 et 5 973 ovules mesurant 1,33 ± 0,1 mm de diamètre. Les femelles de cette espèce semblent atteindre la maturité sexuelle à environ 21-23 cm LT, ce qui correspond à un âge de 8 à 9 ans. Des notes sur le comportement sexuel d’O. cubifrons sont également présentées.
Drum and Croaker, 2007
The use of the local anesthetic benzocaine as a rapid alternative in the euthanasia of the
giant ... more The use of the local anesthetic benzocaine as a rapid alternative in the euthanasia of the
giant Pacific octopus, Enteroctopus dofleini, has been suggested in the literature, though its use
has yet to be documented. This investigation subjected two senescent, female specimens of E.
dofleini to immersion in concentrations of benzocaine ranging from 500 to 3500 mg/l. Various
stages of anesthesia were documented in both specimens, leading to eventual medullary collapse
and death. Benzocaine was found to be an effective anesthetic at concentrations above 1000
mg/l. Concentrations above 2500 mg/l caused terminal anesthesia within 45 minutes, with
concentrations above 3500 mg/l inducing medullary collapse within 15 minutes. This method
proved to be a relatively rapid, humane method of euthanasia in comparison to other common
practices.
Bioinvasions Records, 2019
Invasive crustacean species have been present in the Long Island Sound, northwestern Atlantic Oce... more Invasive crustacean species have been present in the Long Island Sound, northwestern Atlantic Ocean, for over two centuries. Three new records of introduction are recorded here from collections by local fishermen. Two records are for male Dungeness crabs, Metacarcinus magister (Dana, 1852), collected in the Western Long Island Sound (2017) and Cape Cod Bay (2018). The other record is that of a range extension documented by a single male Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis (Milne-Edwards, 1853), found in New Haven Harbor, Connecticut. Both species could potentially harbor nonnative epibionts and endoparasites. Additionally, E. sinensis may be more likely to establish, as it has in numerous locations in the region and worldwide.
Within public aquaria, there has been an ongoing search for improved capture and restraint techni... more Within public aquaria, there has been an ongoing search for improved capture and restraint techniques to be utilized with large and/or sensitive aquatic ectotherms. While a vast majority of these improvements have been focused on the marine megafauna most commonly kept in the aquarium environment, the authors found a significant lack of information regarding improved capture and restraint techniques for large freshwater teleosts and other fishes. Tonic immobility (TI) is a common technique employed by field researchers and aquarists to manually restrain elasmobranchs in order to facilitate routine husbandry and veterinary care. This paper serves to demonstrate the use of TI in a small group of Paddlefish, Polyodon spathula, in order to aid in transport, gavage feeding, and the administration of oral antihelminthic drugs. In two trials, over 74 animals were handled and placed into dorsal recumbency with the anterior end placed slightly below the posterior end. Time from moment of capture to induction of TI was measured and found to be 8.42.3 seconds. TI was not found to be sustainable for long periods of time (>90s) in this group of animals, however, it was still found to be a viable method for short-term immobilization, allowing the authors and veterinary staff ample time for several routine veterinary procedures.
Association of Zoos and Aquariums, R Anderson, BL Christie, GJ Barord, A Peters, M Rehling Authors
The Atlantic sharpnose shark, Rhizoprionodon terraenovae (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae), is ... more The Atlantic sharpnose shark, Rhizoprionodon terraenovae (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae), is the most common inshore shark species in both the Gulf of Mexico (GOM)and along the U.S. Atlantic coast (Castro, 1983; Hoese and Moore, 1998; Carlson and Brusher,
1999; Thorpe et. al., 2004). The genus Rhizoprionodon contains seven extant species at present,with a circumtropical distribution (Compagno, 1999). The genus is characterized by small size, short life spans, rapid growth, early maturity, and high natural mortality (Simpendorfer, 1999).
While these characteristics coupled with the natural abundance would seem to make the species a prime candidate for exhibit in public aquaria, very few institutions choose to maintain and
display the species, largely due to husbandry challenges. This report will attempt to combine a concise review of the published literature on the natural history of the species with anecdotal and empirical observations on the captive biology of the species to present a more complete picture
of the requirements of this species in the aquarium. The literature cited section of this paper should also serve as a thorough bibliography of the literature concerning R. terraenovae to aid the aquarist in future attempts to keep the species in both the laboratory and aquaria.
The copepod Tegastes acroporanus is a notorious pest of captive
corals in the genus Acropora. In ... more The copepod Tegastes acroporanus is a notorious pest of captive
corals in the genus Acropora. In recent years, infestations of T. acroporanus have become widespread among public aquaria and coral
propagation facilities and have been largely controlled with the extralabel use of milbemycin oxime formulations (Carl 2008). Many of
these drug formulations (which were intended for dogs) have been
discontinued by their manufacturers in favor of multidrug products,
many of which are unsuitable for corals, forcing experimentationwith
alternatives. This report provides the first data on populations of T.
acroporanus treated with milbemycin oxime and documents the first
known use of an otic solution, MilbeMite Otic (Novartis Animal
Health U.S., Greensboro, North Carolina), against copepods on live
corals. MilbeMite Otic was found to be soluble in seawater and
successful at eradicating T. acroporanus in a large exhibit over the
course of 6-h waterborne baths (n = 12) at 0.167 μg/L. The resident
population of T. acroporanus was also quantified before each treatment
to provide the first estimates of coral parasite burden in
response to the application of a waterborne chemotherapeutic agent.
A review of the biology of the ogcocephalid batfishes as it pertains to captive husbandry; with o... more A review of the biology of the ogcocephalid batfishes as it pertains to captive husbandry; with original data on growth, quarantine, prophylaxis, behavior, and reproduction in captivity. Grey literature from Drum and Croaker v. 47:7-40
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Papers by Barrett Christie
Gulf and Caribbean Research 31(1): SC18-24.
Depuis la description d’Ogcocephalus vespertilio par Linné en 1758, on sait très peu de choses sur la reproduction des Ogcocephalidae. Sur la base de leurs ovaires en forme de rouleau on a supposé qu’ils produisaient des radeaux gélatineux d’œufs comme d’autres poissons lophiiformes, mais cela restait à confirmer. Ce rapport fournit la première documentation sur le comportement de frai et des estimations de la fécondité chez un ogcocephalidé à partir d’observations de spécimens d’Ogcocephalus cubifrons (Richardson, 1836) en aquarium. Les poissons ont frayé tous les deux jours et produisaient des radeaux à œufs contenant entre 2 404 et 5 973 ovules mesurant 1,33 ± 0,1 mm de diamètre. Les femelles de cette espèce semblent atteindre la maturité sexuelle à environ 21-23 cm LT, ce qui correspond à un âge de 8 à 9 ans. Des notes sur le comportement sexuel d’O. cubifrons sont également présentées.
giant Pacific octopus, Enteroctopus dofleini, has been suggested in the literature, though its use
has yet to be documented. This investigation subjected two senescent, female specimens of E.
dofleini to immersion in concentrations of benzocaine ranging from 500 to 3500 mg/l. Various
stages of anesthesia were documented in both specimens, leading to eventual medullary collapse
and death. Benzocaine was found to be an effective anesthetic at concentrations above 1000
mg/l. Concentrations above 2500 mg/l caused terminal anesthesia within 45 minutes, with
concentrations above 3500 mg/l inducing medullary collapse within 15 minutes. This method
proved to be a relatively rapid, humane method of euthanasia in comparison to other common
practices.
1999; Thorpe et. al., 2004). The genus Rhizoprionodon contains seven extant species at present,with a circumtropical distribution (Compagno, 1999). The genus is characterized by small size, short life spans, rapid growth, early maturity, and high natural mortality (Simpendorfer, 1999).
While these characteristics coupled with the natural abundance would seem to make the species a prime candidate for exhibit in public aquaria, very few institutions choose to maintain and
display the species, largely due to husbandry challenges. This report will attempt to combine a concise review of the published literature on the natural history of the species with anecdotal and empirical observations on the captive biology of the species to present a more complete picture
of the requirements of this species in the aquarium. The literature cited section of this paper should also serve as a thorough bibliography of the literature concerning R. terraenovae to aid the aquarist in future attempts to keep the species in both the laboratory and aquaria.
corals in the genus Acropora. In recent years, infestations of T. acroporanus have become widespread among public aquaria and coral
propagation facilities and have been largely controlled with the extralabel use of milbemycin oxime formulations (Carl 2008). Many of
these drug formulations (which were intended for dogs) have been
discontinued by their manufacturers in favor of multidrug products,
many of which are unsuitable for corals, forcing experimentationwith
alternatives. This report provides the first data on populations of T.
acroporanus treated with milbemycin oxime and documents the first
known use of an otic solution, MilbeMite Otic (Novartis Animal
Health U.S., Greensboro, North Carolina), against copepods on live
corals. MilbeMite Otic was found to be soluble in seawater and
successful at eradicating T. acroporanus in a large exhibit over the
course of 6-h waterborne baths (n = 12) at 0.167 μg/L. The resident
population of T. acroporanus was also quantified before each treatment
to provide the first estimates of coral parasite burden in
response to the application of a waterborne chemotherapeutic agent.
Gulf and Caribbean Research 31(1): SC18-24.
Depuis la description d’Ogcocephalus vespertilio par Linné en 1758, on sait très peu de choses sur la reproduction des Ogcocephalidae. Sur la base de leurs ovaires en forme de rouleau on a supposé qu’ils produisaient des radeaux gélatineux d’œufs comme d’autres poissons lophiiformes, mais cela restait à confirmer. Ce rapport fournit la première documentation sur le comportement de frai et des estimations de la fécondité chez un ogcocephalidé à partir d’observations de spécimens d’Ogcocephalus cubifrons (Richardson, 1836) en aquarium. Les poissons ont frayé tous les deux jours et produisaient des radeaux à œufs contenant entre 2 404 et 5 973 ovules mesurant 1,33 ± 0,1 mm de diamètre. Les femelles de cette espèce semblent atteindre la maturité sexuelle à environ 21-23 cm LT, ce qui correspond à un âge de 8 à 9 ans. Des notes sur le comportement sexuel d’O. cubifrons sont également présentées.
giant Pacific octopus, Enteroctopus dofleini, has been suggested in the literature, though its use
has yet to be documented. This investigation subjected two senescent, female specimens of E.
dofleini to immersion in concentrations of benzocaine ranging from 500 to 3500 mg/l. Various
stages of anesthesia were documented in both specimens, leading to eventual medullary collapse
and death. Benzocaine was found to be an effective anesthetic at concentrations above 1000
mg/l. Concentrations above 2500 mg/l caused terminal anesthesia within 45 minutes, with
concentrations above 3500 mg/l inducing medullary collapse within 15 minutes. This method
proved to be a relatively rapid, humane method of euthanasia in comparison to other common
practices.
1999; Thorpe et. al., 2004). The genus Rhizoprionodon contains seven extant species at present,with a circumtropical distribution (Compagno, 1999). The genus is characterized by small size, short life spans, rapid growth, early maturity, and high natural mortality (Simpendorfer, 1999).
While these characteristics coupled with the natural abundance would seem to make the species a prime candidate for exhibit in public aquaria, very few institutions choose to maintain and
display the species, largely due to husbandry challenges. This report will attempt to combine a concise review of the published literature on the natural history of the species with anecdotal and empirical observations on the captive biology of the species to present a more complete picture
of the requirements of this species in the aquarium. The literature cited section of this paper should also serve as a thorough bibliography of the literature concerning R. terraenovae to aid the aquarist in future attempts to keep the species in both the laboratory and aquaria.
corals in the genus Acropora. In recent years, infestations of T. acroporanus have become widespread among public aquaria and coral
propagation facilities and have been largely controlled with the extralabel use of milbemycin oxime formulations (Carl 2008). Many of
these drug formulations (which were intended for dogs) have been
discontinued by their manufacturers in favor of multidrug products,
many of which are unsuitable for corals, forcing experimentationwith
alternatives. This report provides the first data on populations of T.
acroporanus treated with milbemycin oxime and documents the first
known use of an otic solution, MilbeMite Otic (Novartis Animal
Health U.S., Greensboro, North Carolina), against copepods on live
corals. MilbeMite Otic was found to be soluble in seawater and
successful at eradicating T. acroporanus in a large exhibit over the
course of 6-h waterborne baths (n = 12) at 0.167 μg/L. The resident
population of T. acroporanus was also quantified before each treatment
to provide the first estimates of coral parasite burden in
response to the application of a waterborne chemotherapeutic agent.