Republic Polytechnic Succeeds In Breeding Jellyfish In Captivity
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A team of Republic Polytechnic (RP) students have
successfully hatched and bred the catostylus or “Bubbler” jelly fish in a tank
environment. Jellyfish are one of the world’s most difficult creatures to breed
in captivity as they have very short life spans and require strict water quality
parameters.
The work of eight final year students, the project is the first of its kind in
the Singapore aqua-culture industry. The experiment required the creation of a
controlled environment where the Bubbler jellyfish was successfully cultured
over a period of 30 days. Not only are the jellyfish growing, they are also
reproducing themselves.
The captive breeding of jellyfish is important for
researchers who require reliable supplies of jellyfish toxins in order to
develop anti-venoms. Captive breeding means more jellyfish toxins will be
available for use in developing pharmaceuticals and rapid diagnostic techniques
for stings.
The ability to breed jellyfish is also good news for gourmets and exotic aquatic
lovers. In Asia, the mushroom jellyfish is a delicacy, especially for the
Koreans and Japanese. It is also quickly becoming a most popular exotic aquatic
for aquariums.
The jellyfish are bred in a round fibre glass hatchery tank containing two
tonnes of sea water. Raw sea water is first pre-treated to remove toxins and
control nitrogen gas levels. The water in the tank is then circulated by an
attached fan motor and oxygenated by fine air bubbles. Jelly fish larvae are fed
live Artemia (sea monkeys) to maximise growth.
Professor Low Teck Seng, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Republic
Polytechnic said that he is extremely pleased that RP students have chalked yet
another milestone in the aqua-culture arena. RP first reported success at
breeding spinney lobsters in captivity in 2005 and then growing them to
consumption size earlier this year.
“RP takes a holistic view to education. Our students are given problems to solve
each day and projects like these allow them to use the knowledge and skills they
have to solve real world problems outside the classroom,” said Professor Low.
The eight students undertook the project as part of their final year project in
aquaculture hatchery under the advisory of Mr Philip Choong and Aldrin Ho.
* For RP Staff - Click here to view the rest of the photos from this event
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