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Evidence Guide: ACMSPE307A - Provide basic care of freshwater fish

Student: __________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________

Tips for gathering evidence to demonstrate your skills

The important thing to remember when gathering evidence is that the more evidence the better - that is, the more evidence you gather to demonstrate your skills, the more confident an assessor can be that you have learned the skills not just at one point in time, but are continuing to apply and develop those skills (as opposed to just learning for the test!). Furthermore, one piece of evidence that you collect will not usualy demonstrate all the required criteria for a unit of competency, whereas multiple overlapping pieces of evidence will usually do the trick!

From the Wiki University

 

ACMSPE307A - Provide basic care of freshwater fish

What evidence can you provide to prove your understanding of each of the following citeria?

Identify commonly available freshwater fish

  1. Profile of freshwater fish commonly held in facility, including habitat, nutrition, health and behavioural characteristics, is defined.
  2. External features are described using industry terminology.
  3. Freshwater fish are classified using industry-specific terminology.
  4. Colours, markings and other identifying features are defined, interpreted and documented.
Profile of freshwater fish commonly held in facility, including habitat, nutrition, health and behavioural characteristics, is defined.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External features are described using industry terminology.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Freshwater fish are classified using industry-specific terminology.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colours, markings and other identifying features are defined, interpreted and documented.

Completed
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Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify and evaluate behavioural and housing needs

  1. Water quality is monitored and adjustments made as required to maintain optimum water quality appropriate for the species being housed as directed by supervisor.
  2. Indicators of animal comfort and normal behaviour are identified and signs of distressed freshwater fish are recognised and reported to supervisor.
  3. Industry standards and guidelines for housing design, environmental factors and appropriate stocking densities are identified.
  4. Enrichment needs are identified and evaluated for specific fish species.
  5. Current animal housing design is assessed in relation to the welfare of animals kept and legislation requirements.
Water quality is monitored and adjustments made as required to maintain optimum water quality appropriate for the species being housed as directed by supervisor.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indicators of animal comfort and normal behaviour are identified and signs of distressed freshwater fish are recognised and reported to supervisor.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industry standards and guidelines for housing design, environmental factors and appropriate stocking densities are identified.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enrichment needs are identified and evaluated for specific fish species.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current animal housing design is assessed in relation to the welfare of animals kept and legislation requirements.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catch, handle and restrain freshwater fish

  1. Risks associated with handling and restraining freshwater fish are identified and methods used to minimise risks are demonstrated.
  2. Equipment used to catch, handle and restrain freshwater fish is prepared and evaluated.
  3. Freshwater fish are approached and caught while minimising risks to animal and others.
  4. Freshwater fish are restrained using a range of approved animal welfare management procedures.
Risks associated with handling and restraining freshwater fish are identified and methods used to minimise risks are demonstrated.

Completed
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Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment used to catch, handle and restrain freshwater fish is prepared and evaluated.

Completed
Date:

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Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Freshwater fish are approached and caught while minimising risks to animal and others.

Completed
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Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Freshwater fish are restrained using a range of approved animal welfare management procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assist with health care needs

  1. Signs of good health in fish are identified and recorded in animal health and treatment records.
  2. Common health issues are identified and signs of disease or other conditions are reported to supervisor.
  3. General health maintenance and preventative treatment procedures are identified and implemented in accordance with level of job responsibility, regulatory requirements and supervisor guidance.
  4. Options for activity and enrichment are identified, evaluated for impact on freshwater fish health and implemented as directed by supervisor.
Signs of good health in fish are identified and recorded in animal health and treatment records.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common health issues are identified and signs of disease or other conditions are reported to supervisor.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General health maintenance and preventative treatment procedures are identified and implemented in accordance with level of job responsibility, regulatory requirements and supervisor guidance.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options for activity and enrichment are identified, evaluated for impact on freshwater fish health and implemented as directed by supervisor.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feed freshwater fish

  1. Digestive system features are identified and related to freshwater fish specific feeding routines and diets.
  2. Preferred food sources are identified and food samples are assessed for quality and suitability.
  3. Potential feeding hazards are identified and risk control options defined.
  4. Feed is prepared in accordance with dietary needs.
  5. Animal and plant species commonly used to feed freshwater fish are cultured.
  6. Feed is distributed and consumption, including abnormalities, is reported in accordance with workplace routines.
Digestive system features are identified and related to freshwater fish specific feeding routines and diets.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred food sources are identified and food samples are assessed for quality and suitability.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Potential feeding hazards are identified and risk control options defined.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feed is prepared in accordance with dietary needs.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Animal and plant species commonly used to feed freshwater fish are cultured.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feed is distributed and consumption, including abnormalities, is reported in accordance with workplace routines.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain records

  1. Documentation on the care and management of freshwater fish is completed in accordance with workplace procedures and legislation requirements.
Documentation on the care and management of freshwater fish is completed in accordance with workplace procedures and legislation requirements.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessed

Teacher: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Signature: ________________________________________________

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions to Assessors

Evidence Guide

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit. Assessors should ensure that candidates can:

identify the specific characteristics and needs of freshwater fish and apply these to the best practice industry standard of housing, socialising, feeding and health management

classify and identify freshwater fish by age, sex, reproductive status, condition, colours, markings and other identifying features using industry terminology

assess water quality for suitability for maintained species

safely and humanely catch, handle and restrain freshwater fish

report and document treatments, behaviours and other information on individual fish, where relevant, in accordance with animal welfare regulations, industry standards, workplace protocols and procedures.

The skills and knowledge required to provide basic care of freshwater fish must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this unit is to be practical in nature and will most appropriately be assessed against the types of processes required in the industry sector in which candidates are working or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions. Workplaces can includeaquariums, pet stores, zoos, animal technology facilities, fish farms or distributors, quarantine approved premises or similar workplaces.

There must be access to a range of animals as well as relevant information, equipment and/or resources to enable one to demonstrate competence. Assessment must cover a minimum of three commonly available freshwater fish species.

Method of assessment

To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated, to industry defined standards, on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances and responsibilities over a number of assessment activities.

The assessment strategy must include practical skills assessment. Suggested strategies for this unit are:

written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and first-hand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks

simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions

third-party evidence

workplace documentation

portfolio.

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a language background other than English, youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds).

Required Skills and Knowledge

Required skills

complete relevant work-related documents and maintain accurate animal records

comply with OHS, animal care, ethics and industry codes of conduct, regulations and legislations

culture live food species for freshwater fish

employ safe and environmentally responsible organisational systems and procedures when working with, restraining and handling freshwater fish

maintain the highest standards of personal and workplace hygiene and infection control at all times to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection

measure, interpret and record freshwater fish weight, length and other relevant objective indicators of change in physiological status

monitor freshwater fish health, condition and behaviour and recognise normal and abnormal signs

monitor water quality parameters using physical and chemical assessments and tests

prepare doses for treatments as directed and verified by supervisor

provide basic first aid to freshwater fish as required under supervision

use equipment and materials correctly and in accordance with manufacturers' specifications

literacy skills to read and follow organisational policies and procedures, including OHS and animal welfare; follow sequenced written instructions; and record information accurately and legibly

oral communication skills/language to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

problem-solving skills to assess appropriate practices and prioritise daily tasks

use safe manual handling techniques and/or equipment

use safe waste handling and disposal procedures.

Required knowledge

anatomical and physiological terminology and glossary of terms

anatomical structures and physiological features related to basic care requirements for freshwater fish

awareness of natural freshwater fish behaviour relating to the characteristics of the species, age, health and reproductive status, behavioural and social needs and the signs of distress, illness and undesirable behaviours

basic freshwater fish care and hygiene principles

basic freshwater fish first aid techniques

basic water chemistry parameters and physical indicators of water quality relevant to the care and husbandry of freshwater fish

biology and culture of common food species used to feed freshwater fish

common aeration and filtration systems

housing, social and activity needs of freshwater fish and environmental impacts on health and wellbeing

methods of transmission of disease and infection

organisational policies and procedures regarding the care and health maintenance of freshwater fish

personal protective clothing and equipment and when and how it should be used

physical conditions and vital signs of freshwater fish

potential hazards and risks to animals and staff during feeding and cleaning of housing

relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice, including OHS, animal welfare and ethics

safe freshwater fish handling techniques and procedures, potential hazards and control measures

terminology and language variations used by workplace staff and the public to describe freshwater fish, their behaviour, status, health and treatments

terminology used to describe and document health and behavioural signs, including desirable and undesirable features

types of food and food supplements and their role in freshwater fish diets

types of information that has to be reported and recorded in animal care workplaces

workplace hygiene standards, disinfectants, cleaning agents, cleaning techniques and cleaning equipment and materials.

Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Commonly available freshwater fish may include:

commonly maintained families of aquarium fish:

Barbs and Danios

Betts and Gouramis

Catfish and Cichlids

Livebearers and Loaches

Rainbowfish

Tetras

tropical and coldwater species.

Behavioural characteristics may include:

behaviour characteristics can vary according to:

the breeding season

the species, breed, age and sex of the animals

the time of day or night

behaviour characteristics associated with different species:

activity levels at certain times of day or night

feeding and foraging

fight or flight

social interaction

reproductive behaviours

the environment being kept within

the other marine animals in that environment

defensive behaviour:

biting

defending territory, other fish or food.

Colours, markings and other identifying features may include:

age, sex, sexual maturity and size

body shape and fin modifications

eye colour

markings, patterns and permanent scars

microchip, tattoos and markings

skin and scale colours and texture

tail and fin shape, size and location.

Indicators of poor water quality may include:

colour

odour

unsuitable water chemistry parameters.

Water quality adjustments may involve:

correcting chemical imbalances

partial water change

raising or lowering pH or hardness.

Signs of distressed freshwater fish may include:

aggressive behaviour

altered respiration rate

any change in normal behaviour, such as swimming patterns

discolouration

erratic swimming patterns

fins clamped against body

ill-thrift

floating

hiding

immobility

inappetence

presence of external disease organisms

subdued behaviour.

Housing design and environmental factors may include:

environmental:

aeration rates and supply

biological control of waste

cleaning routines and methods

electrical safety

escape proofing

drainage and weather protection

fundamentals of the biological process

general animal housing security

heating and lighting

filtration requirements to maintain the water quality and optimal environmental conditions for target species

housing furniture and compatible plants

outdoor predator protection e.g. protection from fish eating birds

water flow rates and currents

housing design:

housing options:

aquaria

indoor

intensive production fish care systems (commonly used in research facilities)

outdoor

warehousing

housing requirements:

compatibility of species housed together

food distribution

security considerations

longevity and sturdiness of materials

plants, features and substrate materials

suitability for specific species

species-specific options for animals to hide or rest

designs that allow for enrichment activities or species-specific feeding or socialising

social options:

solitary

pairs

single sexed groups

polyandrous/polygamous groups

mixed species.

Enrichment needs may include:

food or food-related enrichment:

creation of currents during feedings

creation of feeders such as cone/film canisters with holes for brine shrimp to swim out of

feedings at different times of day

feedings at different places in tank (if possible)

providing opportunities to scavenge, graze and forage for food

sinking feeders

variations for types and styles of food and activities (e.g. live animal or plant species)

physical enrichment:

diverse and varied environment for animals to pick their comfortable spot plus open swimming areas as required

periodic changes of lighting intensity

seasonal change of lighting photoperiod

periodic changes to exhibit décor (e.g. changing logs, plants and branches)

random addition of novel items (e.g. shells, rocks, leaves and plants)

social enrichment:

animals of the same species housed with same to encourage species-specific behaviors

mixed species exhibits to encourage positive inter-species interactions.

Welfare of animals requirements may include:

adequate housing, nutrition and stock levels

compliance to appropriate state or territory legislation and regulations

enrichment opportunities

the absence of predators, pests and vermin

the compatibility of species, breeds and sexes.

OHS risks when working with animals may include:

animal bites, envenomation, scratches and crush injuries

biological hazardous waste and sharps disposal

electrical hazards enhanced by the presence of water

handling of chemicals and medicines

gas leakage

inhalation of aerosol particles

intraocular contamination

manual handling, including carrying, lifting and shifting

needle pricks and cuts from other sharps

release of infective agents (animal and human)

slippery or uneven work surfaces

zoonoses.

Equipment used to catch, handle and restrain freshwater fish may include:

buckets

damp towels

fish anaesthetics:

Aqui-S

Clove Oil

MS-222

fish traps

plastic bags

soft gloves

soft, knotless hand nets

wet sponges.

Methods used to approach and catch freshwater fish may include:

gradual approach to allow fish to adjust to human presence

prior introduction of capture equipment

removal of tank furniture and plants

use of clear plastic bags to reduce stress.

Common health issues may include:

behavioural disorders

environmental hazards:

contamination of the water due to presence of toxins

exposure to extremes of water quality

exposure to the elements

inadequate activity

temperature extremes

ventilation

infectious diseases caused by:

bacteria, virus, fungus and protozoa

internal and external parasites

non-infection diseases:

nutritional imbalances and disruptions

genetic disorders

metabolic

neoplastic

physical traumas

chemical toxicities and allergies

zoonotic diseases.

General health maintenance and preventative treatment may include:

routine health check-up

control of parasites and insects

immunisation/vaccinations as required

quarantine and isolation

routine observation of waste elimination and faecal examination

routine water quality checks and analysis

use of 'aged water'

use of prophylactic and therapeutic water treatments.

Digestive system features may include:

anatomical features:

mouth size, shape and location

gill rakers, teeth types and locations and teeth structures

digestive chemicals and bacteria

alimentary canal and stomach, pyloris and liver

intestines and cloaca

physiological features:

eating processes

nutrient requirements, absorption and storage methods

waste elimination

feeding patterns and locations

potential digestive system malfunctions or problems.

Feeding hazards may include:

animal movement and handling

shelf life of foodstuffs

manual handling and general food preparation, storage and distribution equipment

contamination of foodstuffs from vermin, bacteria, fungus, virus and other sources

organic and other dusts

excessive noise

possibility of zoonotic infection.

Documentation on the care and management of freshwater fish may include:

accident and incident records

animal feeding, health and treatment records

animal identification and history

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) compliance records, such as:

Quarantine Approved Premises (QAP) Tank Charts

noxious species

chemical and veterinary supplies register

diary, rosters and task completion and timeframe records

equipment use, damage and repair register

OHS safe work method statements, material safety data sheets (MSDS) and other records

provisions records of current stock and items used and items required

stock control records

water chemistry and quality records

water change frequencies and amounts.