standardization of records keeping in indian zoos - Central Zoo ...

Laboratories, Phoenix, USA), a liquid cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive, can be used to
close the applicator puncture wound, helping to prevent loss of the injected tag.
Studies have shown PIT tags to have little or no effect on growth, mortality, or
behavior, and to have an almost 100% retention rate (Basavaraju et al,1998). PIT tags
provide reliable, positive identification and are small enough to be used on all species
of elasmobranchs. Because PIT tags require no batteries, they will function for many
years. Despite the initial expense, PIT tags are considered to be an invaluable, reliable
identification technique for record keeping.
8.5 EXTERNAL TAGS
External tags are not recommended for display animals. Only when temporary
identification is necessary external tags may be employed. There are four basic
categories of external tags,
classed by the way they attach to the animal(Figure), and include: (1) trans-body; (2)
dart style;(3) internal-anchor; and (4) tail-loop.
Fig 4: The four basic categories of external tags, classed by the way they attach to the animal,
including; (1)trans-body;(2)dart style (3)internal anchor (4)tail loop.
Trans-body tags protrude through both sides ofthe body (e.g., through the
dorsal fin). These tags include disc tags, dangling disc tags, and spaghetti loop tags.
Dart-style tags protrude from only one surface of the animal and consist of a training
shaft with an anchor on one end. The anchor is inserted into the body of the animal
and the trailing end, usually enlarged, details information pertaining to the tagged
animal. T-Bar and arrowhead are examples of dart-style tags. Internal-anchor tags are
a modification of dart style tags. Instead of being anchored into muscle tissue, the
anchor of an internal-anchor tag is a flat disc that lies against the inside wall of the
fish‟s body cavity (Nielsen, 1992). Tail-loop tags consist of a length of material, or a
plastic cable-tie, that is loosely tied around the caudal peduncle of the fish.
Researchers regularly use external tags for animal recognition. Within public
aquariums, animals not on display can be tagged temporarily using external tags.
Some public aquariums use external tags on display animals and take the opportunity
to educate their public about the roles of tagging through written materials and
presentations.
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