Shark bite wounds of the valvular intestine: The cause of an acute mortality syndrome of captive blacktip reef sharks, Carcharhinus melanopterus
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1991 |
Authors: |
Gerald L. Crow, James A. Brock, Jeffrey C. Howe, Beth E. Linnon |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
agonal symptoms, bacteria, elasmobranch, husbandry, intestinal eversion |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430100604.abs During 1987–1990 nine cases of mortality in captive blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) were attributed to bite wounds to the valvular intestine. Necropsies revealed lacerations, amputation of the scroll valve folds, or complete severance of the valvular intestine. Wounding resulting from attack by tankmates occurred during episodes of intestinal eversion, an apparently regular event of unclear physiological function in sharks with a scroll valve intestine. This paper adds intestinal biting as a putative cause of mortality in captive shark species having a scroll valve intestine.