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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 60(4)

Radio-tagging flexible-bodied fish: temporary confinement enhances radio-tag retention

Ben T. Broadhurst A B D , Brendan C. Ebner A C and Rhian C. Clear A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Parks, Conservation and Lands, Department of Territory and Municipal Services, ACT Government, GPO Box 158, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.

B Present address: Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2601, Australia.

C Present address: Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld 4111, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: ben.broadhurst@canberra.edu.au

Marine and Freshwater Research 60(4) 356-360 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF08141
Submitted: 1 May 2008  Accepted: 26 November 2008   Published: 29 April 2009

Abstract

Animals that occupy holes or squeeze into interstitial spaces often have particularly flexible bodies and can be difficult to tag effectively. The present study evaluated three methods for radio-tagging the cryptic, eel-like fish Gadopsis bispinosus, a species that inhabits interstitial spaces among cobbles and boulders in streams. The three methods were an externally attached radio-tag with a whip antenna, an internally implanted coil radio-tag (internal coil) and an internally implanted radio-tag with an externally exited whip antenna (internal–external). Successful radio-tagging was determined in aquaria trials based on a combination of four indicators: (1) survival; (2) retention of the radio-tag; (3) healing of the surgical incision; and (4) rapid resumption of feeding. Externally attached radio-tags were shed and proved to be unsuitable (100%). Three of nine individuals with internal–external tagging completed the study with regular feeding, healed incisions and retained radio-tags. Conversely, five of nine individuals with internal coils were successful. This included two of three individuals held in either a simple environment for 3 days or for the duration of the trial and one of three individuals held in a complex environment. Temporary confinement following implantation with coil radio-tags offers a viable means of radio-tagging G. bispinosus. Temporary confinement following radio-tagging may also be useful for reducing radio-tag rejection and mortality for other fish species with similar body morphs and habitat use (e.g. eel species and sculpin).

Additional keywords: interstices, radiotelemetry.


Acknowledgements

Funding was provided through the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP). L. Johnston contributed significantly to the initial trial and set up of aquaria facilities. W. Andrew provided advice on surgical procedures and animal health. Research and Monitoring, Parks Conservation and Lands provided aquaria facilities and technical support. J. Thiem, K. Ryan and M. Jekabsons assisted with surgery. Comments from K. Frawley, S. Meredith, N. Jepsen and K. Murchie dramatically improved this manuscript. This research was conducted under authorisation (CEAE05–10) from the Committee for Ethics in Animal Experimentation, University of Canberra. Our research was conducted in Ngunnawal Country.


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