2. PREVENTIVE HEALTH

2.1. Preventative Health Considerations

Preventive health care in captive Banded Archer fish (Toxotes jaculatrix) is crucial for maintaining a healthy population.

Preventative health for Banded Archer fish encompasses environmental management, nutritional needs, and regular health assessments. Maintaining optimal water quality is paramount, as poor conditions can lead to stress and disease. Regular monitoring of water parameters such as temperature, pH, and salinity should be conducted to mimic their natural brackish water environments as closely as possible (Erlacher-Reid, 2018).

2.2. Infectious diseases

In the confined environment of captivity, Banded Archer Fish are susceptible to various infectious diseases that can significantly compromise their health.

 

  • Among the common afflictions are Myxosporean parasites, a group of parasitic cnidarians. These parasites typically infect fish through waterborne spores, which the fish either ingest or absorb through their gills and skin. Diseases such as proliferative kidney disease and whirling disease, which are caused by these parasites, have a profound impact on the health of the fish. According to Diamant (1997), these diseases can severely affect the well-being of the fish by disrupting their normal bodily functions.
  • Additionally, bacterial infections are a frequent health concern in aquarium settings. Diseases like columnaris disease, caused by Flavobacterium columnare, along with infections from Aeromonas, pose a significant threat. These bacteria can invade fish populations through new additions to the aquarium or due to deteriorating water quality, attacking fish through open wounds or directly colonizing their gills and skin.

2.3. Methods of transmission

In captive settings, disease transmission among fish primarily occurs through waterborne pathways, where pathogens like Myxosporean parasites spread via shared water systems, necessitating strict biosecurity measures like quarantine and effective water treatment (Diamant, 1997).

Diseases also spread through direct contact and fomite transmission from unsanitized equipment or handlers. Rigorous management practices are essential for preventing outbreaks, including quarantine protocols for new or symptomatic fish (Noga, 2010), regular water quality management to reduce stress (Barton & Iwama, 1991), and thorough hygiene practices to minimize fomite transmission (Noga, 2010), thereby enhancing the health and longevity of Banded Archer Fish.

2.4. Non-infectious health problems

In captivity, Banded Archer Fish face several non-infectious health challenges primarily caused by environmental and management factors.

  • Water Quality Issues such as imbalanced pH, ammonia, and nitrate levels can cause stress and physiological disorders like gas bubble disease (Morgan & Tromborg, 2007).
  • Nutritional Deficiencies are also prevalent due to improper diets, leading to conditions such as vitamin C deficiency and other metabolic diseases (Noga, 2010).
  • Physical Injuries from collisions or aggression within the tank, while non-infectious, can lead to secondary infections if not managed correctly (Noga, 2010).
  • Additionally, Behavioural Stress due to the restrictive and unnatural captive environment can cause psychological stress and immunosuppression (Morgan & Tromborg, 2007).

2.5. Risk factors

Risk factors exacerbating these issues include Inadequate Tank Conditions, where small or poorly designed tanks lead to stress and health problems; Poor Water Management, where lack of proper filtration and irregular water changes degrade water quality (Noga, 2010); Dietary Mismanagement, with incorrect feeding practices causing nutritional imbalances (Noga, 2010); and Lack of Enrichment, leading to boredom and stress from the inability to exhibit natural behaviors (Morgan & Tromborg, 2007). Addressing these factors is crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of Banded Archer Fish in captivity.

 

 

2.6. Prevention and monitoring Health actions

To ensure the health of Banded Archer Fish in captivity, it is crucial to maintain optimal water quality through regular testing and water changes (Morgan & Tromborg, 2007). A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients prevents nutritional deficiencies (Noga, 2010). Environmental enrichment and regular health assessments help mitigate behavioural stress and detect early signs of disease. Implementing quarantine protocols for new fish and continuous staff training on updated care practices are essential for disease prevention and overall fish welfare (Noga, 2010).

 

 

2.7. Practical preventative health actions by staff

2.7.1 Daily Actions

  • Aquarists/Keepers: They perform daily checks of water quality, adjusting parameters such as temperature, pH, and salinity to prevent stress and disease susceptibility in the Archer Fish. This is critical since stable water conditions are closely linked to fish health (Erlacher-Reid, 2018). Additionally, keepers are responsible for feeding, ensuring the fish receive a balanced diet that supports their unique predatory behaviour.
  • Curators: Oversee the daily operational procedures ensuring environmental stability and dietary requirements are consistently met, coordinating with keepers for any necessary adjustments.
  • Veterinarians: Provide guidance on the nutritional and environmental needs based on the latest health data and research, ensuring daily procedures adhere to best practices for fish health management.

2.7.2 Weekly Actions

  • Aquarists/Keepers: Conduct thorough physical inspections of the Archer Fish for any signs of illness or distress. They also perform tank maintenance tasks such as cleaning and substrate vacuuming to maintain optimal tank conditions, which is vital for preventing disease (Richards, 1977).
  • Curators: Review and adjust the weekly health assessment protocols and maintenance schedules based on observations reported by aquarists, aiming for proactive health management. Organize training sessions focusing on the latest care techniques, disease recognition, and emergency response protocols.
  • Veterinarians: Provide specialized training on fish health and treatment protocols.
  • Monthly Actions
  • Veterinarians: Conduct detailed health examinations and apply prophylactic treatments as necessary. These might include administering antifungal or antibacterial treatments and updating the health records of each fish to monitor long-term health trends (Bergmann et al., 2017).

2.8. Quarantine Protocols

Quarantining new fish arrivals is a critical procedure in aquariums to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and ensure the acclimatization of Banded archer fish (Toxotes jaculatrix) in captive environments.

2.8.1. Quarantine Duration and Setup

  • Duration: The quarantine period for Banded Archer Fish should last a minimum of 30 days to allow adequate time for observation and to ensure that any latent diseases manifest. (Hadfield & Clayton, 2011).
  • Environment: The quarantine tank should replicate the main tank’s conditions as closely as possible. This includes maintaining similar water parameters such as temperature, pH, and salinity to reduce stress and acclimatize the fish to their new environment.
  • Health Monitoring: Daily visual inspections to identify early signs of disease, with prophylactic treatments as needed (Hadfield & Clayton, 2011).
  • Nutrition: Provide a diet that mimics natural feeding habits to support health and immune function.
  • Acclimatization: Gradually adjust water parameters to match those of the main tank, reducing stress and aiding adaptation.