Unit of competency
Modification History
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Release |
Comments |
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Release 1 |
This version released with ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package Version 4.0. |
Application
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.
Pre-requisite Unit
Nil
Unit Sector
Species Specific (SPE)
Elements and Performance Criteria
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Elements |
Performance Criteria |
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Elements describe the essential outcomes. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
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Skill |
Description |
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Reading |
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Numeracy |
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Unit Mapping Information
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Code and title current version |
Code and title previous version |
Comments |
Equivalence status |
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ACMSPE318 Provide general care of fish |
ACMSPE306 Provide basic care of marine fish |
Redesigned unit ACMSPE306 Provide basic care of marine fish and ACMSPE307 Provide basic care of freshwater fish merged Minor changes to make content generic to fish Assessment requirements updated to address marine and freshwater fish |
Equivalent |
|
ACMSPE318 Provide general care of fish |
ACMSPE307 Provide basic care of freshwater fish |
Redesigned unit ACMSPE306 Provide basic care of marine fish and ACMSPE307 Provide basic care of freshwater fish merged Minor changes to make content generic to fish Assessment requirements updated to address marine and freshwater fish |
Equivalent |
Links
Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=b75f4b23-54c9-4cc9-a5db-d3502d154103
