Conservation and Research

Sounds produced by the longsnout seahorse Hippocampus reidi

In cooperation with the University of Vienna and the University of Paraíba we were able to show that longsnout seahorses produce two distinct sound types. These differ in volume, frequency and in the context they are produced: 'Click' sounds are produced during feeding and courtship while 'growls' are produced when the animals are held against their will.

Heteromysis – Mysis shrimps as synanthropic species in ocean aquariums

Together with Univ.-Prof. Karl Wittmann we describe the global mysis shrimp population in ocean aquariums. Using samples obtained from three continents, we have meanwhile provided first descriptions of nine species of the genus Heteromysis, which has shown to be particularly good at establishing itself in artificial habitats. Its ancestors are thought to have arrived at the aquariums by means of transported coral rocks.

Representation of the nervous system during the different life stages of the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea xamachana

When the upside-down jellyfish transforms throughout its life cycle, its nervous system changes too. Ms. Klara Amplatz of the Department of Evolutionary Biology at the University of Vienna has written a master's thesis describing the transformations of each of the nervous systems from an immunohistological point of view. The Haus des Meeres provides the life stages polyp, planuloid, strobila, ephyra and medusa.

Cranial morphology of the brownbanded bamboo shark Chiloscyllium punctatum

The skulls of our bamboo sharks are shaped specific to their sex. The female cranial region is more robust than that of the male, and there are also differences in the jaw structures. The reason for this could be mating behaviour or differences in diet. Mr. Manuel Staggl described these characteristics in the context of his master's thesis at the Department of Palaeontology at the University of Vienna.

Surface flow patterns produced by reef-building corals

In cooperation with the Medical University of Vienna (Prof. Igor Adameyko), minute currents are examined above and inside coral polyps. They act in the micron range and are produced by the coral polyps themselves with their cilia. Now the current patterns of six reef-building types of corals were described for the first time, leading to a better understanding of coral colonies.

Development of a breeding system for marine animals (seahorses, jellyfish, etc.)

We have been breeding several generations of longsnout seahorses Hippocampus reidi since 2005. For this purpose, we have developed a special system that allows all of the tiny juvenile fish to be fed properly. In the first weeks of their lives they are kept in a 'washing drum' type tank with optimal flow, allowing them to have sufficient food in front of their mouths at any time.

The Chinese crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus)

This small but spectacular lizard has been bred very successfully at the Haus des Meeres for many years. While the species is almost extinct in its native habitats in China and Vietnam, its population in Europe is very stable – thanks to conscientiously coordinated breeding. We have established an extensive breeding group, and due to controlled and systematic breeding, we are at all times able to give away animals and thereby support the population in European zoos.

Mexican fish

With regard to conservation breeding activities for goodeinae, employees of the Haus des Meeres visit the native habitat of these fish once or twice a year as part of their research expeditions. There, various water parameters are determined, the habitats are documented and the fish populations are checked. But the focus of such journeys is not just limited to the aforementioned group of fish. It is on all kinds of fish found in Mexico. Results and specimens have been used for research work by universities in Mexico and still are.