Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:45 AM AWST

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Provide general care of fish

Provide general care of fish

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMSPE318
State Code
ODC37
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
13/04/2021
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
26/07/2021
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
26/07/2021
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify fish and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements.This unit applies to individuals working in the animal care industry where it may be necessary to care for marine and/or freshwater fish. This may include aquariums, pet stores, zoos, animal technology facilities, catchers and distributors or similar workplaces. This unit applies to individuals who work under broad supervision and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable problems.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures according to Commonwealth and state/territory health and safety and animal welfare regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify fish
  • 1.1 Define the habitat, activity cycle and general features of fish commonly housed in facility
  • 1.2 Identify and describe external features using industry terminology
  • 1.3 Classify marine and freshwater fish according to taxonomy
  • 1.4 Define, interpret and document colours, markings and other identifying features
2. Identify and evaluate behavioural and housing needs
  • 2.1 Monitor water quality and make adjustments as required to maintain optimum water quality
  • 2.2 Identify indicators of normal behaviour
  • 2.3 Recognise signs of distressed fish and report to supervisor
  • 2.4 Identify industry standards and guidelines for housing design, environmental factors and appropriate stocking densities
  • 2.5 Evaluate current animal housing design in relation to the welfare of animals kept and legislation requirements
  • 2.6 Implement behavioural enrichment activities for fish species
3. Catch, handle and restrain fish
  • 3.1 Identify workplace health and safety risks associated with handling and restraining fish
  • 3.2 Implement methods to minimise safety risks and use appropriate personal protective equipment
  • 3.3 Catch and restrain fish in a way that minimises risks, using low stress handling techniques and equipment to minimise risks to the animal and others
4. Assist with health care needs
  • 4.1 Identify signs of good health in fish
  • 4.2 Report signs of disease or other conditions to supervisor
  • 4.3 Identify general health maintenance and preventative treatment procedures and implement according to supervisor instructions
5. Feed fish
  • 5.1 Identify digestive system features and relate to species-specific feeding routines and diets
  • 5.2 Identify preferred feed sources and assess samples for quality and suitability
  • 5.3 Identify potential feeding hazards and implement risk control options
  • 5.4 Prepare food according to dietary needs
  • 5.5 Distribute food according to schedule, feeding plan
  • 5.6 Culture animal and plant species commonly used to feed fish
6. Maintain records
  • 6.1 Complete feed and treatment records noting food consumption, health and care activities
  • 6.2 Record abnormalities and advise supervisor
  • 6.3 Complete documentation relevant to licences and transport, where required
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BBD43 ACMSPE307 Provide basic care of freshwater fish Unit of competency
BBE04 ACMSPE306 Provide basic care of marine fish Unit of competency