By Rachael Risby Raz | International Relations Manager
The major challenge the Aquarium faced this past quarter was the discovery of a potentially devastating parasitic disease in the Large Red Sea Tank.
The sharks and the rays were removed from the main tank and put into quarantine. The treatment process is nearly finished and it is hoped that the sharks and rays will be returned to the Tank in the coming weeks.
The significant efforts and excellent teamwork of the Aquarium staff meant that this crisis was dealt with effectively and successfully, with no losses amongst the fish population.
The Aquarium staff continue to grow and learn: Pablo Danitis, the Chief Aquarist, and Noam Katsir, who is responsible for the LSS (life support) systems at the Aquarium, recently travelled to the Tulsa Aquarium for a week of learning and study.
Afterwards they also participated in a five-day Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators Conference.
Also growing is the Aquarium population: arriving from Kenya this month was a shipment of more of one of the Aquarium's most photographed residents - the Red Knob Sea Star (pictured).
Also known as the Red Spine Star or the African Sea Star, this large sea star has five conical, short, thick arms. It is found in both shallow tidal pools and in reefs up to 100 meters deep in the Indian Ocean and feeds on mollusks, worms, detritus and sponges.
Next month, we will be dedicating this sea star's tank after receiving a generous donation for its upkeep.
Have a safe summer,
Rachael and the Team at the Aquarium
By Nicole Wexler | Director of Development
By Nicole Wexler | Director of Development
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