Capture, husbandry and long-term transport of pilotfish, Naucrates ductor (Linnaeus, 1758), by sea, land and air

摘要

This is a report on the capture, transport, and husbandry of pilotfish, Naucrates ductor. The objective of this work was to evaluate the most adequate process for capturing, transporting and maintaining pilotfish, while gaining understanding on their behavior. Collection was done in the Azores, by hook and line. Seventy six individuals were then transported to shore, where they were maintained for two months. After this, they were transported by sea over four days. This transport was then followed by an eight day transport by road along Portugal, Spain and multiple public aquaria in France. The animals endured this trip with no losses and multiple notes on husbandry and behavior are provided. Subsequently (2014 to 16), other animals were shipped by air to Atlanta (Georgia, USA), Plymouth (UK), Budapest (Hungary), Springfield (Missouri, USA), and Dubai (UAE), which involved multiple trials prior to the first shipment, to ensure survivorship and wellbeing during the long transit times. The trials revealed that shipping must occur in the presence of an ammonia quencher and pH buffering agents, including the addition of povidone-iodine to decrease bacterial growth, and ice, to keep temperature low.