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Research & Development
A core philosophy of AquaTouch has always been to improve on standard methodologies and husbandry practices in the ornamental aquatics trade. When possible, we have shared our work in publications, lectures, and communications with colleagues. As an industry leader in marine ornamentals AquaTouch continues to contribute to the broad base of growing knowledge in aquatic husbandry.
Over the years, AquaTouch has focused on three main areas of development. These are general laboratory work, husbandry, and field work. Below is a brief synopsis of some of our efforts and contributions made by AquaTouch staff members.
Laboratory Work
Our laboratory facilities provide support for a number of different projects. Many of these projects are part of the day to day operation at AquaTouch while others can be general research or collaborations with colleagues. Our extensive laboratory equipment inventory includes compound and dissecting microscopes, an inverted biological microscope, paraffin embedding and sectioning tools, microscope slide staining equipment, and other laboratory materials. Below is a brief outline and a list of publication. FISH
We regularly examine fish to identify diseases for our customers, conduct necropsies on deceased fish, anesthetize them during procedures like correcting overbites on puffer fish teeth or parasitic removal.
Puffer Dentistry For over 7 years AquaTouch has provided dental care to
marine fish raised
Upon arrival the fish is prepared for anesthesia. It is placed in a chemical anesthetic (not clove oil) that is calculated based on the fishes weight. Once the sedative has completely taken effect the fish is removed from the solution.
The fish is placed on a laboratory work surface. A variety of tools and dental files are used to trim back teeth on the upper and lower jaw.
Once the overbite is sufficiently corrected, the fish is gradually brought back out of an anesthetized state. The fish is ready for transport back home after it has been observed for a period of time and prepared for travel. Feel free to come by and talk with an AquaTouch staff member if you have a fish in need of this service.
CORAL
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| Janes, M.P. 1999. A review of the soft coral family Xeniidae. Marine Fish Monthly 14(9): 7-15 (PDF) | |
| Alderslade, P. 2001. Six new genera and six new species of soft coral, and some proposed familial and subfamilial changes within the Alcyonacea (Coelenterata: Octocorallia) Bulletin of the Biological Society of Washington 10:15-65. | |
| Janes, M.P. 2004. Soft coral microanatomy. Marine Fish and Reef Annual 2004: 82-91 (PDF) | |
| Marine Sediment Analysis- MACNA 2005 (PDF) | |
| Octocoral Laboratory Taxonomy Manual 2007 (PDF) | |
| Mycobacterium marinum |
Much of our daily operations at AquaTouch involves the
care or husbandry of our marine animals. Whenever possible we share with our
customers the results of experiments, new techniques or products, and system
designs that will help them be successful.
Publications - Contributions by AquaTouch staff members
A portion of our field work has included coral surveys in the Red Sea, octocoral collection in the Andaman Sea, coral spawning in the Gulf of Mexico, and a crown-of-thorns survey in Thailand.
Additionally, AquaTouch works closely with collectors and exporters of marine ornamental
fish. This quality assurance program takes us to locations in the Atlantic and
Pacific Oceans each year to meet with our livestock providers. We discuss
collection techniques, examine export facilities, and dive right along side the
collectors. These efforts ensure a high quality of livestock for us to offer to
our clientele and allow us to be involved in the management of our coral reef
resources.
Publications - Contributions by AquaTouch staff members
| Marine Ornamentals 2004 (PDF) |
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Copyright © 2008 AquaTouch
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