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

2. Goals for today Amphibian Basics Handling Housing Environmental Control Nutrition

3. Amphibian Basics Ectothermic vertebrates 3 Chambered heart Glandular Skin Cryptic Scaleless

4. Metamorphosis Aquatic to land TH dependent Primary Changes: -Legs -Lungs -Eyes -IT -Tail (anurans) -Skin http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/art/tadpole-to-frog.gif

5. Metamorphosis Exceptions Environmental stress induction Terrestrial egg metamorphosis http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,356774,00.html

6. Timeline for Metamorphosis Weeks to years Species and environment dependent

7. Taxonomy-Three Orders Caudata Anura Gymnophiona

8. 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) http://michaelcravens.com

9. Salamander vs. Newt firstfriday.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/ http://www.washingtonnh.org/ http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/NIM/AF397~ Drop-of-Water-Posters.jpg

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

11. 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) http://www.johnelkington.com/weblog/african_clawed_frog_500w.jpg

12. Frog vs. Toad -Water -Skin -Leg length and power -Predators http://64.226.23.133/woodycarr/images/toad.jpg http://www.isd12.org/bhe/

13. Gymnophiona 6 families, 172 species Pantropic Not kept as pets http://farm1.static.flickr.com/149/415329423_cd21aeb1cb_o.jpg

14. Order Differences Limbs Tails Vision Fertilization

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

16. Owning an amphibian Life Span: up to 55 years! Aggressive vs. Friendly http://www.maroochy.qld.gov.au

17. Size-Largest -Chinese Giant Salamander-up to 180 cm -Goliath Frog-up to 32 cm http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/gallery/2008 www.sandiegozoo.org

18. Size-Smallest Smallest- Thorius sp. - 15 mm. Eleutherodactylus sp.- 10 mm http://www.science.psu.edu/alert/FROG.htmhttp://www.state.tn.us/twra/tamp/salamanders.htm

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

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

21. Nicotine Toxicity Tadpole and hypercapnic challenge -Brain stem: ventilation -Surfacing frequency Systemic vasodilation Melanocyte Activation http://www.puregreen.com.au

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

23. Handling-Restraint Anura Goals: -Support and comfort -Netting -MS-222 -Avoid kicking out www.uwm.edu/Dept/EHSRM/ACP/MANUAL/Frog2.jpg

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

25. Toxin Uses For people: -Weapon (poison dart frogs) -Pharmacology (pain killers, psychoactive) For the animal: -Defense (unpalatable, paralysis) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anura#Poison

26. Toxins Aposematism and mimicry Curious Dogs -Symptoms: foaming mouths, shaking, vomiting, diarrhea Derived from: -Diet -Alkaloid manufacture http://www.gilroydispatch.com

27. Gender Determination Most not sexually dimorphic -Size -Color Observe courtship Candling abdomen for eggs http://www.xlaevis.com/sexing.html

28. Gender Determination Females More rotund body shape http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

29. Gender Determination Males Caudata Crests, bright colors, tail swellings in some during breeding season Anura Vocal sacs, nuptial pads during breeding season http://www.xlaevis.com/sexing.html

30. Accommodations

31. Housing Vivarium basics Enclosure Design Substrate Ground cover Plants Retreats Water Location http://www.darkroastedblend.com

32. 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 www.everythingforpets.com/

33. Housing Considerations Hinged lid Small holes Striking behavior

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

35. http://www.blackjungle.com/terrarium2.jpg http://www.amphibiancare.com

36. http://www.brianstropicals.com/building.htm l http://www.amphibiainfo.com

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

38. Substrate-Functions Camouflage Bio filter http://www.uvm.edu

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

40. Ground Cover-Functions Enrichment Security Breakdown Waste Products www.driedflowersrus.com

41. 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

42. Plant Considerations Low light levels Pots vs. buried in substrate Rinse, repot plants No sharp tips http://www.dkimages.com

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

44. Water Fresh or Brackish Same as for fish

45. Location Minimal surrounding activity Vibration Controlled environment Avoid Direct Sunlight Escapes

46. Environmental Control Temperature Humidity Lighting

47. 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)

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

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

50. Lighting Considerations Source of heat Subdued lighting & gradual changes Plants

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

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

53. Larval Amphibian Diet Larval salamanders and neonatal caecilians vs. anurans

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

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

56. 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 www.wildlifetrust.org.uk http://www.glaucus.org.uk/

57. 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… http://www.geocities.jp http://dcsbible.files.wordpress.com http:// www.guppy-fish.com/

58. Terrestrial Amphibian Diets Invertebrates

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

60. Nutritional Disorders Tadpoles: spinach Iodine deficiency Metabolic bone disease in frogs http://www.ultimatecoupons.com/blog/wp- content/uploads/2008/03/popeye.jpg

61. Breeding DIFFICULT! Manipulate environment: -Hibernation: gradual temperature changes stop feed 1 week prior -Precipitation http://www.i-esfera.com/fotos/rain.jpg

62. Diseases to Look Out For Red leg- often stress/IC; control with proper sanitation and environmental quality http://www.xenopus.com/disease.htm

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

64. Now for some fun….

65. Our New and Fabulous Frog Vivarium!!!

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

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

68. 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

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

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

71. 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 26:117-125. 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: 57-65. 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. 29:500-505. 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. 262.2: 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: 125-148. 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: 472-5 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. 160.1: 83-90. Wright, K.M, and B.R. Whitaker (2001). Amphibian Medicine and Husbandry. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company.

72. Other Photo Websites www.zoosamara.ru www.crazy-frog.us http://artfiles.art.com/ www.wikipedia.org