Cephalopods in Academic Research: Sepia bandensis Webinar

Registration is free! Please register by 5/24/2021.

Raffle prizes for SCB AALAS Members- Must be present to win!

Presentation will be worth 1 AALAS CEU (RACE approval pending)

Please see the following description on this interesting webinar:

Cephalopods are a class of aquatic animals that include the coleoids: octopuses, cuttlefish and squid. These fascinating invertebrates have become more prevalent in academic institutions over the past decade. Cephalopods have both unique and conserved aspects of their physiology and anatomy that make them an attractive research animal. While there are currently no federal regulations in the United States regarding laboratory care and use of cephalopods, the European Union, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, amongst other countries do regulate research done with these species. Furthermore, the unique anatomy and physiology of cephalopods require specific husbandry and veterinary care and can prove to be a challenge to researchers and animal care staff. In this webinar we will provide an introduction to cuttlefish in the laboratory as well as some distinguishing features of these organisms. We will then discuss how we established a colony of Sepia bandensis (the dwarf cuttlefish) and equip the audience with information regarding cuttlefish husbandry and veterinary care.  Lastly, we will briefly touch on current regulations in the EU governing this species as a prototype of what we may see in the United States in the future.