Amphibian Husbandry and Nutrition Ami Krasner NCSU-CVM Class of 2010

Goals for today Amphibian Basics Handling Housing Environmental Control Nutrition

Amphibian Basics Ectothermic vertebrates 3 Chambered heart Glandular Skin Cryptic Scaleless

Metamorphosis Aquatic to land TH dependent Primary Changes: -Legs -Lungs -Eyes -IT -Tail (anurans) -Skin

Metamorphosis Exceptions Environmental stress induction Terrestrial egg metamorphosis

Timeline for Metamorphosis Weeks to years Species and environment dependent

Taxonomy-Three Orders Caudata Anura Gymnophiona

Caudata 10 families, >500 species N./S. America, Europe, Asia Common Pets: -Ambystoma tigrinum (Tiger Salmander) -Ambystoma maculatum (Spotted Salamander) -Cynops pyrrhogaster (Fire Bellied Newt)

Salamander vs. Newt firstfriday.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/ Drop-of-Water-Posters.jpg

Salamander vs. Lizard Water requirements Skin Eggs & young AMPHIBIAN VS. REPTILE

Anura 33 families, >5000 species Worldwide* Common Pets/Research: - Xenopus spp. (African clawed frog) -Rana spp. (Leopard frog) -Dendrobates spp. (Poison arrow frog) -Hylidae family. (Tree frogs)

Frog vs. Toad -Water -Skin -Leg length and power -Predators

Gymnophiona 6 families, 172 species Pantropic Not kept as pets

Order Differences Limbs Tails Vision Fertilization

Owning an amphibian Research and Plan!!!!!  LIBRARY!!! KNOW Natural History

Owning an amphibian Life Span: up to 55 years! Aggressive vs. Friendly

Size-Largest -Chinese Giant Salamander-up to 180 cm -Goliath Frog-up to 32 cm

Size-Smallest Smallest- Thorius sp mm. Eleutherodactylus sp.- 10 mm

Pet Trade Restrictions Within the U.S.: ex. African Clawed Frog CITES listings -Appendix I= 16 spp. ~Giant Salamanders -Appendix II- 98 spp. ~Dendrobates

Handling Concerns-Amphibian Skin Permeable -gloves -nicotine -cleaning supplies Delicate Secretion

Nicotine Toxicity Tadpole and hypercapnic challenge -Brain stem: ventilation -Surfacing frequency Systemic vasodilation Melanocyte Activation

Handling-Restraint Caudata Goals: -Support and comfort -Netting -MS-222 -Avoid tail and gills aqualandpetsplus.com/Amphibian,%20Salamander.htm

Handling-Restraint Anura Goals: -Support and comfort -Netting -MS-222 -Avoid kicking out

Handler Concerns Scratches and bites Infectious disease Toxic secretions: -Irritant -Hallucinogens -Consultants -Vasoconstrictors -Neurotoxin

Toxin Uses For people: -Weapon (poison dart frogs) -Pharmacology (pain killers, psychoactive) For the animal: -Defense (unpalatable, paralysis)

Toxins Aposematism and mimicry Curious Dogs -Symptoms: foaming mouths, shaking, vomiting, diarrhea Derived from: -Diet -Alkaloid manufacture

Gender Determination Most not sexually dimorphic -Size -Color Observe courtship Candling abdomen for eggs

Gender Determination Females More rotund body shape

Gender Determination Males Caudata Crests, bright colors, tail swellings in some during breeding season Anura Vocal sacs, nuptial pads during breeding season

Accommodations

Housing Vivarium basics Enclosure Design Substrate Ground cover Plants Retreats Water Location

Materials for Housing Glues and Sealants approved for aquaria, Avoid others including: -Coal-tar based sealants: PAH and amphibian larvae -Dental Sealants: Bisphenyl A Plastic or Glass Material, Avoid Metals -Hg, Cu, Al, Zn, Fe

Housing Considerations Hinged lid Small holes Striking behavior

Enclosure Design Options Aquatic Pond Aquatic Stream Stream-Side Terrestrial Terrestrial Fossorial Arboreal

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Substrate Options Medium-grade gravel -Size and texture Soil and Sand -Parasites -Fertilizers Moist paper

Substrate-Functions Camouflage Bio filter

Ground Cover Options Moss or leaf litter Sphagnum vs. Sheet Moss Rocks

Ground Cover-Functions Enrichment Security Breakdown Waste Products

Plants-Benefits Cover/Rest spots Elevated perches Sites for oviposition Filter overhead light Purify air Oxygenate water Utilize organic wastes Increase humidity Green algae and larval diet

Plant Considerations Low light levels Pots vs. buried in substrate Rinse, repot plants No sharp tips

Retreats Secretive, time spent hiding Dark, low sealing, deep Cork bark or darkly colored plastic containers

Water Fresh or Brackish Same as for fish

Location Minimal surrounding activity Vibration Controlled environment Avoid Direct Sunlight Escapes

Environmental Control Temperature Humidity Lighting

Temperature Achieved by: -Lighting: air -Heater: water Thermal gradient -Max-min thermometer -Basking Spot Common Ranges: -Green tree frog: 75°F-88°F (24-31°C) day, 68°F (20°C) at night -Tiger salamander: 55°F- 78°F (13-26°C)

Humidity >70% Relative humidity Gradient with retreats Skin problems Gauge Methods: Reduced ventilation Water (spraying, moving, contained) Live plants Humidifier

Lighting *Spectrum, Intensity, Duration* Full-spectrum lights Intensity: <46 cm from cage floor Duration  Photoperiod: equatorial (12:12) vs. temperate (16:8)

Lighting Considerations Source of heat Subdued lighting & gradual changes Plants

Nutrition Accurate Records!!! Dead vs. live feeding Considerations: -Swallow prey whole -Cannibalistic species -Dermatophagy -Prey comes predator

Nutrition Pre- vs Post-metamorphosis Variety -Schedule ~small, active foragers vs. ambush predators ~larvae vs. adults ~time of day -Content

Larval Amphibian Diet Larval salamanders and neonatal caecilians vs. anurans

Larval Amphibian Diet-Herbivorous Anurans Fish flakes, live aquatic vegetation and algae, heat treated greens*

Larval Amphibian Diet-Omnivorous Anurans Fish Flakes/pellets, live aquatic vegetation and green algae

Larval Amphibian Diet-Carnivores Zooplankton  cultured protozoa  small crustaceans  small earthworms/chopped adults  mosquito larvae  small live fresh water fish/chopped larger fish  fish pellets/flakes

Adult Aquatic Amphibian Diet Whole or Chopped Invertebrates: Water fleas, fly larvae, feeder fish (guppy), smaller fresh water fish (whole smelt), fish pellet feeds, and…

Terrestrial Amphibian Diets Invertebrates

Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation Ca -Absorb with H20 -Misting: no distilled water -“Gut-loading” - Dusting - Ca:P Frozen fish + thiamine Rodents + Vit D 3

Nutritional Disorders Tadpoles: spinach Iodine deficiency Metabolic bone disease in frogs content/uploads/2008/03/popeye.jpg

Breeding DIFFICULT! Manipulate environment: -Hibernation: gradual temperature changes stop feed 1 week prior -Precipitation

Diseases to Look Out For Red leg- often stress/IC; control with proper sanitation and environmental quality

Key Points Pre-purchase research Life history considerations!!! Appropriate handling Appropriate environment with options Balanced diet with accurate records

Now for some fun….

Our New and Fabulous Frog Vivarium!!!

Species: 4 Poison Dart Frogs, Dendrobates azureus Purchased: Breeder in Dunn Sex: Juveniles, Undetermined Handling: N/A

The House Enclosure Design: Stream-side Substrate: Coconut husk  Dried moss  Live moss Retreats: logs Plants: Rooted in substrate, glued Water-DI

Environment Temperature: 72-75° F (22-24° C) Humidity: 90% (hygrometer) -fans -misters (every 6 hrs/30 s -spray pre-eating) Lighting: UV fluorescent bulbs -10 hrs daylight currently

Diet Cultured fruit flies -15/day -A.M. -Territories Supplements: rotating EOD -Ca (dusting) -General supplement Springtails (for mold) dendroworld.co.uk

Special thank you to Kristine Alpi, Dr. Suzanne Kennedy-Stoskopf, and Jenessa Gjeltema for their help and input

References Bank, M.S., J. Crocker, B. Connery, and A. Amirbahman. (2007). Mercury bioaccumulation in green frog (Rana clamitans) and bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) tadpoles from Acadia National Park, Maine, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 26: Brown, D.D. and L. Caia. (2007). Amphibian Metamorphosis: A Review. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. Geneva, Switzerland. 29/7/08. Flank, L (1998) Herp Help. New York: Howell Book House. HEDIN, C.A. and A. LARSSON. (1986). In vitro activation of amphibian dermal melanocytes by nicotine. European Journal of Oral Sciences. 94.1: Horne, M. T. and W. A. Dunson. (1995). Effects of low pH, metals, and water hardness on larval amphibians. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 29: Kupfer, A., Kramer, A. and W. Himstedt (2004). “Sex-related growth patterns in a caecilian amphibian (genus Ichthyophis): evidence from laboratory data” Journal of Zoology : 173. Linzey, D., Burroughs, J., Hudson, L.; Marini, M; Robertson, J.; Bacon, J.; Nagarkatti, M.; and P. Nagarkatti. (2003). “Role of environmental pollutants on immune functions, parasitic infections and limb malformations in marine toads and whistling frogs from Bermuda” International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 13.2: International Journal of Environmental Health Research Marquis, O.; Millery, A.; Guittonneau, S.; and C Miaud (2006) “Toxicity of PAHs and jelly protection of eggs in the Common Frog, Rana temporaria” Amphibia-Reptilia. 27: Mattison C (1992). Care of Reptiles and Amphibians in Captivity. Revised Third Ed. New York, NY: Sterling Publishing.Care of Reptiles and Amphibians in Captivity. Stoskopf, M.K. (2008) “Amphibian Medicine” in Introduction to Physical Examination Skills Part B: Lab Animal and Zoological Species. Taylor, B.E., Croll, A.E., Drucker, M.L. and A.L. Wilson. (2008). Developmental exposure to ethanol or nicotine inhibits the hypercapnic ventilatory response in tadpoles. Respiratory Physiology and Neurobiology : Wright, K.M, and B.R. Whitaker (2001). Amphibian Medicine and Husbandry. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company.

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