Aquatic animal husbandry and captive breeding

Cold water rack.

Large-bodied aquatic animals

We are experts in large-bodied fish husbandry and breeding, and have a track record in responding to adverse events and providing emergency care to fish.

There are eight 1500-L recirculating culture systems and one 5000-L recirculating culture systems in the aquatic lab, all with polygeyser biofiltration systems, 8–32 ^oC temperature control, automated lighting, and UV sterilisation.

The 1,500 litre recirculating systems

A rescued crayfish being measured before being released

Small-bodied aquatic animals

We also have a proven track record in larval rearing and caring for small-bodied native and introduced species:

• There are two 24-aquarium rack systems for housing small-bodied aquatic animals. These can support cold- (0–30 ^oC) and warm-water (8–32 ^oC) temperatures; are UV sterilised; and have automated lighting.
• There is a larval trough system for larval fish, similarly with temperature control (8–32 ^oC), UV sterilisation, and automated lighting.
• We also have a stand-alone 72 cubic metre aquatic laboratory, for quarantining sick animals and/or holding animals for extended periods at temperatures ranging from -30 ^oC to +30 ^oC. This is currently being used to house rescued Stocky galaxiids away from other species in the aquatic laboratory.

Leioptherapon unicolor (Spangled perch)