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Publication
The effect of rapid decompression on barotrauma and survival rate in swallowtail seaperch (Anthias anthias): defining protocols for mitigating surfacing mortality
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Swallowtail seaperch, Anthias anthias, is a popular fish in the public aquaria industry worldwide, but is subject to
barotrauma and high mortality rates if an appropriate decompression profile is not used. Here, we analyze
behavioral response to pressure reductions in swallowtail to define protocols for mitigating surfacing mortality.
Four different pressure reduction rates were tested (15%, 25%, 35%, and 45%) in several lifting steps from an
initial depth of 30 m. Decompression using this procedure was done with 12 and 24 h acclimation duration at
each step allowing fish to recover from the pressure reduction. Fish condition was assessed based on swimming
behavior, immediately after each new pressure reduction also after each acclimation time. Additionally, fish
condition was monitored in a post-decompression trial for 14 days. During decompression, both conditions -
initial and final - showed statistically significant differences in the reduction rates tested but showed no differences
in acclimation times, and no interaction of the two factors. Neither pressure nor acclimation time
affected the condition of the animal in post-decompression trials. Ascension steps near the surface are associated
with larger decreases in neutrally buoyant fish compared to deeper decompression steps. Close monitoring of the
effect of decompression on A. anthias in the control group, showed that a 29% reduction in pressure could
indicate an approximate value of the free vertical range of this species, while swimbladder rupture can occur
between 63 and 70% of pressure reduction. The optimal protocol for mitigating surfacing mortality combines
two decompression profiles used in this experiment with a total duration of 84 h and comprising 4 lifting steps.
The protocol developed to mitigate surfacing mortality was designed for conditions where oceanic cages or
containers can be lifted gradually.
Description
Keywords
Aquarium fish Buoyancy Swimbladder Pressure reduction Marine ornamental
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Silva, Luis & Rosa, Rui & Campino, Nelson & Martins, Inês & Pinho, Mário & Correia, João & Morato, Telmo. (2018). The effect of rapid decompression on barotrauma and survival rate in swallowtail seaperch (Anthias anthias): Defining protocols for mitigating surfacing mortality. Aquaculture. 498. 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2018.08.052.
Publisher
Elsevier