THE USE OF GENTAMICIN SULFATE THERAPY IN A CAPTIVE BLACKTIP REEF SHARK (CARCHARHINUS-MELANOPTERUS) WITH INTESTINAL BITING SYNDROME

This note reports on the use of gentamicin sulfate as a supportive mea sure for a juvenile blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus), w hich presented with an abrupt onset of anorexia, and laceration and pr olapse of the scroll valve intestine (putative intestinal biting syndr ome). Gentamicin sulfate was administered as an intramuscular injectio n (3.3 mg/kg body weight) every fifth day for seven treatments. The sh ark resumed feeding by 48 hours from the first injection, and was full y recovered by day 36. (C) 1993 Wiley-Liss. Inc.