Patent Publication Number: US-2016227746-A1

Title: Spawner System and Method

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/115,031 filed on Feb. 11, 2015, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Scientists often rely on animal models for scientific research. Both terrestrial and aquatic animals are used as models for scientific research. One prominent aquatic animal model used by many scientists for various experiments is the zebrafish ( Danio rerio , a.k.a.  Brachydanio rerio ). For example, zebrafish are used for modeling human disease, drug discovery, cancer research, genetics research, regenerative medicine, chemical screening, and toxicology. While zebrafish replication is considerably faster than many other animal models, current methodologies and breeding equipment used for zebrafish replication are insufficient to meet the demands of scientific research. In particular, scientists often need large numbers of developmentally synchronized zebrafish embryos within short periods of time to facilitate their research. Therefore, improved breeding equipment is needed to increase the rate and developmental uniformity of aquatic animal embryo production. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments provide a spawner designed to hold water and at least one aquatic animal. The spawner includes a vessel and a platform disposed within the vessel. The platform includes a raised point, a floor that extends downwardly at an angle from the raised point to a peripheral edge, and a plurality of vertical walls defining at least one cubby. 
     Other embodiments provide a spawner having a vessel and a platform disposed within the vessel. The vessel has an internal volume shaped such that when water within the vessel is lowered from a higher holding level to a shallow spawning level during a spawning event, the cross sectional area of the vessel measured at the air-water interface is reduced to crowd fish disposed within the water into a higher animal density per unit area. 
     Additional embodiments provide for a method of producing a plurality of aquatic animal embryos. A vessel, an angled platform disposed within the vessel, and a valve are provided. The vessel is filled with a liquid such that the vessel is substantially full and defines a holding level of water. At least one male aquatic animal and at least one female aquatic animal are provided into the vessel. The holding level of water in the vessel is decreased. The valve is closed when the water level has reached a spawning level to facilitate a spawning event between the at least one male aquatic animal and at least one female aquatic animal. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded isometric view of a spawner according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of the spawner of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a left side elevational view of the spawner of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front, top isometric view of a spawning platform according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the spawner of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a front, left, top isometric view of a spawner suspended within a support according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of a schematic of a spawning platform according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a front schematic view of the spawner of  FIG. 1  illustrating first and second stages of use; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded isometric view of a spawner according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view of a spawning platform and a divider of the spawner of  FIG. 9  according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a front, left, top isometric view of the spawner with the support and plumbing apparatus of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a front elevational view of the spawner with the support and plumbing apparatus of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom plan view of the spawner with the support and plumbing apparatus of  FIG. 9 ; and 
         FIG. 14  is a left side elevational view of the spawner with the support and plumbing apparatus of  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. 
     The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which, like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention. 
     The present disclosure is directed at improved breeding equipment for the production of fish embryos from various fish, including freshwater and marine fish, and may be used for breeding of many other aquatic species. For example, various types of fish may be used with the breeding equipment of this disclosure and include, for example, zebrafish ( Danio rerio , a.k.a.  Brachydanio rerio ), rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) and other salmonids including and brook charr ( Salvelinus fontinalis ), coho salmon ( O. kisutch ), sockeye salmon ( O. nerka ), and Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ). Additionally, other types of fish contemplated include the sheepshead minnow ( Cyprinodon variegatus ), silversides ( Menidia beryllina  and  M. menidia ), the fathead minnow ( Pimephales promelas ), and the Japanese medaka ( Oryzias latipes ). Other species include catfish such as channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ), brown bullheads ( Ameiurus nebulosus ), sunfish (Mola mola), bluegill ( Lepomis macrochirus ), tilapia ( Oreochromis mossambicus ), Amazon molly ( Poecilia formosa ), and American eels ( Anguilla rostrata ). Additional species include goldfish ( Carassius auratus ) and koi ( Cyprinus carpio ). It is also envisioned that other types of aquatic species may be bred in the disclosed spawner. 
       FIGS. 1-6  illustrate an envisioned spawner  100  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The spawner  100  includes a vessel  102 , a platform  108 , a divider  118 , and a lid  128 . The vessel  102  includes an upper chamber  104  and a lower chamber  106 . The upper chamber  104  is defined by a cylindrical sidewall and the lower chamber  106  extends downwardly from the sidewall and is provided in the form of a funnel that tapers inwardly. The specific angle of the tapered sidewalls of the lower chamber  106  may be provided in such a way to efficiently collect embryos, while at the same time, interact with the platform  108  to prevent fish from entering the lower chamber  106 . In one embodiment, the angle of the tapered sidewalls of the lower chamber  106  of the vessel  102  is between about 40° and about 70°. In another embodiment, the angle of the tapered sidewalls of the lower chamber  106  of the vessel  102  is between about 55° and about 65°, and more specifically, is about 60°. 
     A cylindrical wall defines an aperture  142  that is disposed at a lower end  140  of the vessel  102  and is adapted to provide an outlet to drain and/or fill the vessel  102 . A valve  144  may be connected to the aperture  142  to permit selective drainage from the vessel  102  (or filling) upon opening of the valve  144  by turning a valve handle  146  or similar mechanism. In one embodiment, the valve  144  is provided as a ¾″ single entry socket PVC ball valve (Spears® Manufacturing Company, Sylmar, Calif.). 
     The vessel  102  may further include one or more ports  148  to facilitate adding, maintaining, and/or draining water at a desired level. In the illustrated example, the ports  148  are circular and extend entirely through the sidewall of the upper chamber  104  adjacent a top edge  130  of the vessel  102 . When the level of liquid (e.g., water) in the vessel  102  is too high, excess water may drain through the ports  148 . In some embodiments, the ports  148  may be selectively closable or omitted entirely to allow for the liquid level in the vessel  102  to extend upwardly past the ports  148  adjacent the top edge  130 . In other embodiments, a valve or other mechanism may be provided in a port  148  and in communication with a water source to assist in filling the vessel  102 . 
     The spawner  100  also includes the platform  108 , which is best shown in  FIG. 4 . The platform.  108  is designed to be inserted into the vessel  102  to securely rest adjacent an inner surface  114  of the vessel  102  to create a selective barrier between the upper and lower chambers  104 ,  106 . The platform  108  has a stem  110  that extends upwardly vertically from a raised point  112  in the center of the platform  108 . In some embodiments, the raised point  112  may be located off-center or at a peripheral edge  152  of the platform  108 . 
     The platform  108  is defined by a floor  150  having a top surface  120  that surrounds and extends downwardly at an angle from the raised point  112  to the peripheral edge  152  to create a generally conical or pyramidal shape, though other shapes are contemplated, such as a wedge. The floor  150  is defined by a plurality of flanges that includes gaps  158  large enough to permit embryos, larvae or fry to pass through to the lower chamber  106 , but small enough to prevent adult fish from passing through to the lower chamber  106 . In this way, the floor  150  of the platform  108  is selectively permeable to fish embryos, larvae, and/or fry. 
     A plurality of vertical and triangular walls  154  protrude upwardly from the floor  150  of the platform  108  to the raised point  112  and connect at the stem  110  to create wedge-shaped spaces or cubbies  156  therebetween. There may be any number of walls  154 , such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, or more to create any number of cubbies  156 . In some embodiments, the walls  154  protrude outwardly from the stem  110  and terminate prior to reaching the peripheral edge  152  of the platform  108 . In the embodiment depicted, the walls  154  protrude outwardly from the stem  110  about 75% of the distance between the stem  110  and the peripheral edge  152 . 
     The platform  108  is designed to interact with the narrowing inner surface  114  of the vessel  102  such that the peripheral edge  152  of the platform  108  is shaped to closely fit and contact the inner surface  114  of the vessel  102 . This interaction prevents adult fish from swimming into the lower chamber  106  from the upper chamber  104  (or vice versa). In this way, the spawner  100  prevents predation of fish embryos, larvae or fry by adult fish after spawning because embryos released in the upper chamber  104  pass through the platform  108  into the lower chamber  106 . Other methods of suspending the platform  108  to create the upper and lower chambers  104 , 106  are envisioned. For example, one or more structural features  116  (see  FIG. 1 ) may be provided on the inner surface  114 , and/or the platform  108  such as, for example, an elastic and/or plastic gasket, a ledge, a bracket, a detent, threads, or other means known in the art. 
     The platform  108  may further include one or more supports  160  that promote structural integrity of the platform  108 , for example, by making the platform  108  more rigid, and further to help securely seat the platform adjacent the inner surface  114  of the vessel  102 . In the embodiment depicted, the supports  160  are elongate flanges that are provided on an underside of the floor  150  of the platform  108  and are spaced apart from each other. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the spawner  100  further includes the selectively removable divider  118 , which is adapted to be inserted into the upper chamber  104  of the vessel  102  and rest on the top surface  120  of the platform  108  to divide the upper chamber  104  into two lateral volumes. The divider  118  is provided in the form of a thin sidewall that includes a central bore  122  that extends longitudinally from a bottom surface  124  to a top surface  126  of the divider  118 . The stem  110  of the platform  108  is adapted to be inserted into the central bore  122  of the divider  118 . Thus, when the divider  118  is placed in the upper chamber  104 , the stem  110  is inserted into the central bore  122  and maintains the divider  118  in a vertical orientation. 
     The divider  118  is designed to enable a user to divide the upper chamber  104  into separate chambers, for example, for separation of adult fish by sex (e.g., male and female). The divider  118  is further designed for easy removal from the upper chamber  104  by simply lifting the divider  118  out of the upper chamber  104  and off the stem  110  to allow fish disposed in the upper chamber  104  on either side of the divider  118  to mix. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a removable lid  128  designed to enclose the vessel  102  at an upper end. The removable lid  128  includes two separate halves  128   a  and  128   b  that meet adjacent the top surface  126  of the divider  118  and that are adapted to rest on the top edge  130  of the vessel  102 . The lid  128  further includes a central aperture  132  through which a distal end  134  of the stem  110  of the platform  108  passes when the lid  128  is properly seated on the vessel  102 . Secondary apertures  132   a  may also be included in the lid  128 . The lid halves  128   a  and  128   b  may be oriented and removably secured on the vessel  102  by way of detents  136   a - d  disposed on the vessel  102  that fit into notches  138   a - d , respectively, on the lid halves  128   a ,  128   b . In other embodiments, the lid  128  may be provided with a handle, grip, or notches that facilitate removal from and/or placement of the lid  128  on the vessel  102 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates one embodiment of a support  162  that is designed to hold the spawner  100  in a suspended configuration. The support  162  may include a substantially rectangular frame  164  and one or more legs  166 . In some embodiments such as that depicted in  FIG. 6 , the support  162  may exclude one or more walls to permit viewing of the contents of the spawner  100 . Additionally, the support  162  may further include one or more windows  168  to permit observation of the contents of the spawner  100 . The support  162  is designed to suspend the spawner  100  in a substantially vertical position such that a gap is created between the valve  144  and a surface (not shown) in which the spawner  100  is resting. The gap allows a user of the spawner  100  to collect embryos and/or water under the valve  144  via a cup, strainer, and/or other catching mechanism. 
     In a further embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , a platform  208  is illustrated that has four raised points or quadrants  212   a - d  that are identical, and of which, only one ( 212   a ) is discussed in detail for the sake of clarity. The raised point/quadrant  212   a  may include a stem  210  and a floor  250  (partially shown) that surrounds and extends downwardly at an angle to a peripheral edge  252  of the platform  208 . One or more vertical walls  254  extend from the floor  250  of the platform  208  and to the raised point  212   a  where they connect to create wedge-shaped spaces or cubbies  256  therebetween. The floor  250  includes gaps  258  large enough to permit embryos to pass through, but prohibits passage of adult fish. Further, the floor  250  of each raised area/quadrant  212   a - d  may intersect with the floor of an adjacent raised area/quadrant to form a trough  260 , which is the lowest point of the platform  208 . Based on the foregoing description, it can be seen that multiplex spawning platforms  208  may be used that fit into complementary vessels (not shown) to enable users to significantly increase the number of cubbies  256  within a spawner and significantly increase the number of embryos produced at one time. Such a set-up provides an alternative to using multiple single-platform spawners, as described above. 
     It is also envisioned that the spawner may be configured in additional ways and/or include different parts. As shown in  FIGS. 9-14 , an additional embodiment of a spawner  300  is depicted, whereby like elements to  FIGS. 1-7  are provided with like reference numbers in  FIGS. 9-14 . 
       FIGS. 9-14  show the spawner  300  that generally includes a vessel  302 , a platform  308 , a divider  318 , and a removable lid  328 . The spawner  300  may also include one or more of a support  362 , a shelf  400 , a catch funnel  410 , an egg strainer  420 , and a plumbing apparatus  450 . Each of the components may be provided separately, or sold as a kit. In one embodiment, the spawner  300  may be provided with dimensions of about 82 cm height, about 40 cm width, and about 40 cm length. 
     Similar to the previous embodiment, the vessel  302  includes a widened upper chamber  304  and an inwardly tapering lower chamber  306 . The upper chamber  304  includes a cylindrical sidewall that defines an opening designed to receive the lid  328 . The sidewall of the upper chamber  304  may include one or more ports  348  to facilitate maintaining water at a holding level. In one embodiment, a water supply valve  378  is fitted into the port  348  and is in communication with a water source that facilitates water being added to the vessel  302 . It is also envisioned that the water supply valve  378  can be, or can include, a spigot, a spout, a hose connection, or the like. The water supply valve  378  may also include an elastic and/or plastic gasket (not shown), socket, threads, or may be physically soldered, welded, or epoxied into the port  348 . In some embodiments, the port  348  and water supply valve  378  may be provided in a different location on the vessel  302 , such as, for example, on the lower chamber  306 . 
     The lower chamber  306  is substantially funnel shaped and tapers inwardly until terminating at a lower end  340 . In one embodiment, the angle of the tapered sidewalls of the lower chamber  106  of the vessel  102  is between about 40° and about 70°. In another embodiment, the angle of the tapered sidewalls of the lower chamber  106  of the vessel  102  is between about 55° and about 65°, and more specifically, is about 60°. The lower end  340  of the vessel  302  includes a wall defining a cylindrical aperture  342  that is designed to interact with one or more components that facilitate collection of embryos and/or maintaining, filling, and/or emptying the liquid level of the spawner  300 , as described in more detail below. For example, in one embodiment, the aperture  342  is configured to interact with a valve  344  having a valve handle  346  that allows for liquid and/or embryos to exit the vessel  302 . In one embodiment, the valve  144  is provided as a ¾″ single entry socket PVC ball valve (Spears® Manufacturing Company, Sylmar, Calif.). 
       FIG. 10  depicts the platform  308  that is similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 . The platform  308  includes a stem  310  that extends vertically from a raised point  312  in the center of the platform  308 . The stem  310  of this embodiment only protrudes upwardly a short distance as compared to the stem  110  of the previous embodiment. The stem  310  may be provided as cylindrical, square, triangular, or other shapes and may be provided with an opening or another mechanism that facilitates the interaction between the platform  308  and the divider  318 , as described more below. 
     The platform  308  also includes a floor  350  that surrounds and extends downwardly at an angle from the raised point  312  to a peripheral edge  352 . A plurality of vertical walls  354  extend from the floor  350  of the platform  308  to the raised point  312 , connecting with the stem  310  to create wedge-shaped spaces or cubbies  356  therebetween. The platform may have any number of walls  354 , such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, or more to create any number of cubbies  356 . In one embodiment, there are four triangular vertical walls  354 , spaced equidistantly on the platform  308 . Similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the platform  308  includes gaps  358  in the floor  350  to permit the passage of embryos, larvae or fry into the lower chamber  306 . The platform  308  may further include supports  360  that promote structural integrity of the platform  308 , for example, by making the platform  308  more rigid, and to help securely seat the platform  308  adjacent to an inner surface  314  of the vessel  302 . 
     The platform  308  may be inserted into the vessel  302  to securely rest adjacent the inner surface  314  of the vessel to create a selective barrier or boundary between the upper  304  and lower  306  chambers. In one embodiment, the inner surface  314  of the vessel  302  is about 9.5 cm wide and is tapered at an angle of about 10° to create an angled surface configured to hold the platform  308 . Other methods of suspending or supporting the platform  308  to create the upper  304  and lower  306  chambers are envisioned. For example, one or more structural features  316  may be included on the inner surface  314  and/or on the platform  308  including, for example, an elastic and/or plastic gasket, a ledge, a bracket, a detent, threads or other means known in the art. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the divider  318  is provided in the form of a substantially vertically oriented thin wall  319  that includes a lower edge  324  and an upper edge  326 . The divider  318  also includes a central elongate notch  322  that extends upwardly from the lower edge  324  and is designed to interact with the stem  310  of the platform  308 . In the embodiment depicted, the notch  322  is substantially rectangular and is shaped to provide an interference fit with the stem  310  of the platform  308 . In other embodiments, the platform  308  and the divider  318  may be releasably joined in other ways as known in the art. Thus, when the divider  318  is placed in the upper chamber  304  of the vessel  302 , the stem  310  is inserted into the central notch  322  and maintains the divider  218  in a substantially vertical orientation. 
     The divider  318  is designed to enable a user to divide the upper chamber  304  into separate chambers, for example, for separation of adult fish by sex. The lower edge  324  of the divider  318  is angled to correspond to and complement the angle of the floor  350  of the platform  308 . For example, in one embodiment, the angle A of the lower edge  324  of the divider  318  is about 135°. As such, the divider  318  is shaped to be inserted into the upper chamber  304  and rest on a top surface  320  of the platform  308  to divide the upper chamber  304  into two lateral volumes. When positioned, the lower edge  324  of the divider  318  is designed to contact the top surface  320  of the platform  308  such that no fish are permitted to swim from one side of the divider  318  to the other side of the divider  318 . The width of the divider  318  is designed to correspond to the width of the upper chamber  304  of the vessel  302  such that no fish are permitted to swim over or around the divider. In one embodiment, the width of the interior of the upper chamber  304  of the vessel  302  and the width of the divider  318  are substantially the same. In one specific embodiment, the width of the interior of the upper chamber  304  of the vessel  302  is about 35 cm and the width of the divider  318  is about 35 cm. 
     An elevated ridge  372  protrudes upwardly from the upper edge  326  of the divider  318  and is provided to interact with the removable lid  328 , as discussed in more detail below. The divider  318  is designed for easy removal from the upper chamber  304  by lifting the divider  218  out of the upper chamber  304  and off the stem  310  to allow fish disposed in the upper chamber  304  on either side of the divider  318  to mix. 
       FIGS. 9 and 11  depict a removable lid  328  that is designed to at least partially enclose the vessel  302 . In one embodiment, the lid  328  is substantially circular and is designed to rest on a top edge  330  of the vessel  302 . The lid  328  includes a middle section  328   a  and two half sections  328   b ,  328   c  that are on opposing sides of the middle section  328   a . The two half sections  328   b ,  328   c  may be completely independent from the middle section  328   a , or one or more of the half sections  328   b ,  328   c  may be joined to the middle section  328   a  via a hinge (not shown) or other mechanism. A plurality of apertures  374  may be provided in one or more sections  328   a ,  328   b ,  328   c  of the lid  328 . The apertures  374  provide fluid communication with the external environment around the spawner  300 , which allow oxygen to enter the vessel  302  and carbon dioxide to exit the vessel  302 . The apertures  374  are also configured to allow for distribution of feed to aquatic animals in the vessel  302  on either side of the divider  318 . 
     The middle section  328   a  of the lid  328  includes a central elongate slit  332  that is shaped to accommodate the elevated ridge  372  of the divider  318 . When the lid  328  is positioned on the vessel  302 , portions of the lid  328  may contact the top edge  330  of the vessel  302  and the elevated ridge  372  of the divider  318  passes through and is seated within the slit  332  of the middle section  328   a  of the lid  328 . In this way, the lid  328  may be releasably secured to the divider  318 . The interface between the slit  332  of the lid  328  and the elevated ridge  372  of the divider  318  is configured to stabilize the divider  318  laterally (i.e., vertical orientation) in the vessel  302  to prevent the divider  318  from tipping or tilting. In some embodiments, the lid  328  may be removable from the divider  318  such that the lid  328  may be removed from the vessel  302  without removing the divider  318 . In other embodiments, removal of the lid  328  may cause the divider  318  to also be removed from the vessel  302 . The lid  328  also may be secured to the vessel  302  in any number of ways known in the art. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 11-14 , the support  362  may be provided to retain the spawner  300  in an operational position. The support  362  is defined by a substantially rectangular frame  364  that includes an upper surface  363  and two opposing vertical walls  365  that extend downwardly and terminate at one or more legs  366 . The upper surface  363  of the frame  364  includes a circular opening  376  that is designed to support an exterior surface of the vessel  302  such that the spawner  300  may be releasably suspended within the opening  376 . The legs  366  optionally include swivel level mounts  370  that are designed to allow the legs  366  to be adjusted to accommodate variations on the surface (not shown) in which the spawner  300  and support  362  is placed. The support  362  also includes one or more openings in the form of a passage  368  to permit observation of the contents of the spawner  300  and/or to permit attachment of the plumbing apparatus  450  to the vessel  302 , as described in more detail below. In one embodiment, the support  362  alone, without the vessel  302 , includes a height dimension of about 67 cm tall, a width dimension of about 35.5 cm, and a length dimension of about 35.5 cm. It is envisioned that the support may be any size to accommodate and allow for the operation of the spawner  300 . 
     The interior surface of each of the opposing vertical walls  365  includes a shelf bracket  402  that extends across the entirety of the surface. The shelf brackets  402  are designed to support a shelf  400  that is provided in the form of a flat wall  401  with a circular opening  404 . The shelf  400  is designed to be positioned below the valve  344  and/or located adjacent a bottom section of the vessel  302 . In some embodiments, the shelf  400  is releasably secured to the shelf brackets  402 . In other embodiments, the shelf  400  may be provided as an integral part of the support  362 . 
     The opening  404  in the shelf  400  is designed to support the catch funnel  410 , which, in turn, is designed to support the egg strainer  420 . The catch funnel  410  may be conically shaped with an open top and a narrower aperture  414  at a lower end  412  (See  FIG. 9 ). In one embodiment, the angle of the tapered sidewalls of the conical catch funnel  410  is about 100°, although other tapers and sizes are envisioned. The catch funnel  410  may be securely attached to or suspended from the shelf  400  and is situated to collect effluent from the valve  344  of the vessel  302  and/or the egg strainer  420 . In one embodiment, the upper edge of the catch funnel  410  contacts the opening  404  in the shelf  400  by way of an interference fit. The aperture  414  at the lower end  412  of the catch funnel  410  may be attached to a fitting  416  and/or pipe  418  to facilitate collection of the effluent from the spawner  300 . A valve (not shown) or other regulation mechanism may also be provided to assist in controlling fluid flow out of the vessel  302  and/or catch funnel  410 . In some embodiments, the pipe  418  may alternatively be a hose, a tube, or other connection method. 
     The shelf  400  is also designed to support the egg strainer  420 . The egg strainer  420  is provided in the form of a cup  426  with a handle  422  protruding outwardly from an upper edge  428  of the cup  426 . In one embodiment, the handle  422  of the egg strainer  420  may have a small aperture  424  to allow the egg strainer  420  to be releasably secured to the shelf  400 , such as by a screw or hook (not shown). In another embodiment, the handle  422  of the egg strainer  420  may be provided as a rigid wire frame. The egg strainer  420  may optionally have a detent or knob (not shown) opposite the handle  422  such that the egg strainer  420  can be suspended over the catch funnel  410 . In some embodiments, the egg strainer  420  rests on the interior surface of the catch funnel  410 . In other embodiments, the egg strainer  420  may be positioned above the catch funnel  410  and supported only by the shelf  400 . In some embodiments, the egg strainer  420  is made of metal, and in one specific embodiment, the egg strainer  420  is made of stainless steel. 
     The cup  426  is designed to be a permeable strainer and may be made from any material, such as metal, glass, plastic, composite, and combinations thereof. The cup  426  includes a plurality of pores, holes, slits, apertures, mesh, weaving, and/or combinations thereof, which may be sized in any manner that enables retention of embryos, larvae, or fry in the cup  426  of the egg strainer  420 , but is permeable to liquids or solutions. In some embodiments, the cup  426  is made of fine mesh stainless steel, and in one specific embodiment, the egg strainer  420  is a stainless steel fine mesh strainer made by Procizion. 
     In this configuration, the shelf  400  is situated adjacent a lower end of the support  362  and below the valve  344  such that the effluent from the valve  344  can be caught and passed through the egg strainer  420  to the catch funnel  410 . At the same time, embryos, larvae, or fry are retained in the cup  426  of the egg strainer  420 . When the spawning process is finished, the egg strainer  420  may be detached from the shelf  400  and/or catch funnel  410  and removed to transport the embryos, larvae, or fry into a different container. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 9 and 11-14 , the spawner  300  may also include a plumbing apparatus  450  to facilitate removal of liquid from the vessel  302  and to control the water level in the vessel  302 . In one embodiment, the plumbing apparatus  450  is provided as a double H standpipe. By selectively opening/closing a number of valves, the water level of the vessel  302  can be controlled. The plumbing apparatus  450  includes a wye pipe junction/fitting  452  that is attached at one end to the aperture  342  at the lower end  340  of the vessel  302 , and at the other end is attached to the release valve  344 . A pipe  456  extends from the pipe fitting  452  and protrudes upwardly toward the opening  368  provided in the frame  364  of the support  362 . The pipe  456  terminates at a joint  458 , which is in communication with a control valve  460 . The control valve  460  may be in communication with one or more pipes. One or more of the pipes, the control valve  460 , and/or the joint  458  may be secured to the support  362  via one or more pipe clamps  454 . Although the plumbing apparatus  450  depicted in  FIGS. 9 and 11-14  includes the pipe  456 , the joints  458 , and the control valve  460 , it is envisioned that various other components could be added or omitted that control and adjust the water level in the vessel  302 . 
     In use, the pipe junction  452  may be configured as to permit selective drainage from the vessel  302  upon opening the release valve  344  by turning the valve handle  346 . In this way, fluid and/or embryos may be permitted to flow out of the vessel  302 , through the valve  344 , and to the egg strainer  420  to the catch funnel  410 . Additionally, the pipe junction  452  and the plumbing apparatus  450  may be configured to remove water from the vessel  302  of the spawner  300  by opening control valve  460 . In one embodiment, the upper rung of a double H standpipe configuration of the plumbing apparatus  450  dictates the water level within the vessel  302  of the spawner  300 . In one embodiment, the plumbing apparatus  450  may be used in a flow through or recirculation configuration in which water continuously flows into, through and out of the water supply valve  378 , vessel  302 , and plumbing apparatus  450 , maintaining the water in the vessel  302  at the holding level H. 
     To provoke a spawning event, the spawner  300  (or spawner  100 ) may be set up and used in the following manner. The vessel  302  of the spawner  300  may be suspended in the support  362 . The plumbing apparatus  450  may be connected to the vessel  302  and the support  362  as described above. The water supply valve  378  may also be connected to a fluid (water) source. The platform  308  may be positioned within the vessel  302  and the divider  318  may be inserted through the top of the vessel  302  until contacting and/or being secured to the platform  308  via the notch  322 /stem  310  interaction. The shelf  400  is inserted into the shelf brackets  402  and the catch funnel  410  is supported by the shelf via the opening  404  (or other mechanism). The egg strainer  420  is positioned within the catch funnel  410  below the valve  344  of the vessel  302 . 
     Once the spawner  300  is configured, water or another fluid may be added to the spawner  300  via the water supply valve  378  in the port  348  and/or through adding water through the top of the vessel  302  with the lid  328  removed. To add water to the vessel  302 , the water source is turned on, the water supply valve  378  is configured in an open position, the release valve  344  is in a closed position, and the control valve  460  is in the closed position. In one embodiment, the water level will automatically be maintained at the holding level via the external double H standpipe configuration of the plumbing apparatus  450 . Once the vessel  302  has enough fluid to be at the holding level H, as depicted in  FIG. 8 , one or more male aquatic species may be placed on a first side of the divider  318  and one or more female aquatic species may be placed on a second side of the divider  318 , such that the male and female aquatic species are not capable of interacting. 
     After the male and female aquatic species are positioned within the vessel  302 , the divider  318  may be removed and the water may be lowered to the spawning level S by opening the control valve  460 . In one embodiment, the water level is automatically maintained at the spawning level S by the double H standpipe configuration of the plumbing apparatus  450  when the control valve  460  is in the open position. Lowering the water to the spawning level S causes the male and female aquatic species to interact in a spawning event. Due to the mating behavior of many various aquatic species, the male aquatic species chase or drive the female aquatic species into shallow water where mating may take place (arrow F). However, unless there is some obstruction hindering lateral movement of the female, the female may be able to escape to deeper water and avoid spawning. Here, the cubbies  356  serve to funnel fish into a shallower and narrower space within the walls  354  on either side, closing off any chance of lateral escape. 
     During the spawning event, embryos, larvae, or fry pass through the floor  350  of the platform  308  and are collected in the lower chamber  306 . Once the spawning event is finished, the valve  344  may be opened via the handle  346  to allow the fluid and embryos in the lower chamber  306  to flow into the egg strainer  420 . The egg strainer  420  collects the embryos and allows fluid to pass through to the catch funnel  410 . Fluid flows through the catch funnel  410  and exits the system via the pipe  418 . 
     After the spawning event, the water level may be raised again to the original holding level H, or to a new, different holding level. For example, the water level may be raised to the original holding level H by closing the control valve  460  on the double H standpipe configuration of the plumbing apparatus  450 . The male and female aquatic species may be separated and/or removed from the spawner  300  and the procedure repeated. 
     The vessels, platforms, dividers, and/or lids may be made from a variety of materials, such as, for example, metal, glass, plastid, composites, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the vessels  102 ,  302  and the lids  128 ,  328  are transparent or at least translucent, and the platforms  108 ,  308  and the dividers  118 , 318  are opaque. However, any variations in light permeability and material colors are contemplated. 
     As discussed throughout, the spawner  100 ,  300  may be used to produce thousands of developmentally synchronized zebrafish embryos within a relatively short window of time, such as, from about 15 min to several hours, by taking adult fish placed in the upper chamber  104  from a deeper water, holding level (arrow H) to a spawning level (arrow S) (see  FIG. 8 ). For example, the spawner  100 ,  300  may produce about 100, or about 200, or about 400, or about 600, or about 800 embryos per hour. By lowering the water level from the holding level (H) to the spawning level (S), the cross-sectional area of the vessel  102 ,  302  (determined by measuring the water surface area at the air-water interface) is reduced to force and/or crowd the fish or other aquatic animals into a higher density per unit area due to the shape and/or geometry of the vessel. For example, the cross-sectional area of the vessel  102 ,  302  may be reduced by about 20%, or by about 40%, or by about greater than 50%, and the like. The resultant shallow water environment stimulates the fish to spawn, but also, the reduction in area has the effect of breaking up dominance hierarchies that may have been previously established among a given population of animals. Further, the reduction in area prevents individual fish from establishing and or guarding a specific area/territory due to the overall higher density and crowding of the animals. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the reduction in area allows previously subordinate fish/animals the opportunity to spawn along with the previously dominant fish/animals and thus increases the number of embryos produced per spawning event. This is due, at least in part, to rapid and random movement and mixing of all fish crowded together to more evenly disperse pheromones and other chemical signals from dominant fish that may have otherwise inhibited vessel mates from spawning in a less dense scenario where individual fish would have been able to guard and defend “optimal” spawning sites both physically and chemically. 
     In addition to crowding fish with respect to area, the spawner  100 ,  300  is unique in that the platform  108 ,  308  provides one or more cubbies  156 ,  356 . Typical zebrafish mating behavior includes for the male fish to chase or drive female fish into shallow water where mating may take place (arrow F). However, unless there is some obstruction hindering lateral movement of the female, the female may be able to escape to deeper water and avoid spawning. Here, the cubbies  156 ,  356  serve to funnel fish into a shallower and narrower space within the walls  154 ,  354  on either side, closing off any chance of lateral escape. Therefore, increased incidences of successful spawning are believed to occur with the spawner  100 ,  300 , which lead to increased numbers of embryos produced. This approach contrasts with existing technologies for the mass production of zebrafish embryos that allow fish to escape pursuit into the shallower areas during the spawning phase if they so choose by swimming laterally. 
     The vessel may also be of any size and may have any shape, such as rectangular, square, conical, cylindrical, triangular, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment (not shown), the vessel may be made of separate pieces that are joined together by an adhesive, a gasket, combinations thereof, and the like. The platform, divider, and the lid may be sized to the vessel in any manner that enables function of the spawner as envisioned herein. 
     The following examples illustrate use of the spawner  100 ,  300  as described above. 
     Example No. 1 
     A spawner was set-up with a platform and a divider placed therein, with the valve closed. The spawner was filled with water to the holding water level (about 14 L). Water was recirculated at a rate of about 0.5 L/min within the spawner by means of a recirculating siphon, with outflow on one side of the divider and inflow in the opposite side. Initially, fish were placed in the upper chamber of the spawner with females on outflow side and males on incoming water side. The fish used were zebrafish from 5D Tropical, Inc. (Plant City, Fla.; “5D”) and a strain of zebrafish developed at Duke University, Durham, N.C. USA that originally came from Ekkwill Waterlife Resources (Ruskin, Fla.; “EK”). Different groups of fish were identified by source and number, such as 5D1 and 5D2, which indicate groups 1 and 2 of fish from 5D. 
     The spawning trial procedure was as follows: the correct numbers of fish were stocked on each side of the divider, including 24 females and 6 males (sex ratio of 4:1 females to males) in the evening of day 1; on the morning of day 2, the divider was removed and the fish comingled for 5 minutes; the flow of water was shut off; water was drained to spawning level (6 L) so that about 1 cm of the spawning platform was above the water level with the drained water collected and any embryos present set aside; the fish were allowed to spawn for 3 hours; afterwards, water flow was returned, and the vessel was filled to holding level (14 L); the flow was again turned off and water drained to the spawning level to collect the embryos; and the volume of embryos produced was measured (using an estimate of about 607 embryos/ml) and the number of embryos calculated pre-level drop and post-level drop. 
     Results of embryo production based on the above procedure are listed below in Table No. 1. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE NO. 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Embryo Production Results. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 Embryos 
                 Embryos 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Before 
                 After 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Level 
                 Level 
                   
                 Total 
               
               
                   
                 Group 
                 Drop 
                 Drop 
                 Total 
                 Embryos 
               
               
                   
                 of Fish 
                 (mL) 
                 (mL) 
                 (mL) 
                 (calculated) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 EK1 
                 0.2 
                 3.4 
                 3.6 
                 2185.2 
               
               
                   
                 EK2 
                 0 
                 4.1 
                 4.1 
                 2488.7 
               
               
                   
                 5D1 
                 0.1 
                 3.1 
                 3.2 
                 1942.4 
               
               
                   
                 5D2 
                 0.5 
                 2.8 
                 3.3 
                 2003.1 
               
               
                   
                 EK1 
                 0.9 
                 3.3 
                 4.2 
                 2549.4 
               
               
                   
                 EK2 
                 0.8 
                 2.7 
                 3.5 
                 2124.5 
               
               
                   
                 5D1 
                 0 
                 3.2 
                 3.2 
                 1942.4 
               
               
                   
                 5D2 
                 0.5 
                 4 
                 4.5 
                 2731.5 
               
               
                   
                 EK1 
                 0.6 
                 0.85 
                 1.45 
                 880.15 
               
               
                   
                 EK2 
                 1 
                 3 
                 4 
                 2428 
               
               
                   
                 5D1 
                 0 
                 4.1 
                 4.1 
                 2488.7 
               
               
                   
                 5D2 
                 3 
                 2.95 
                 5.95 
                 3611.65 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As can be seen in Table No. 1, far more embryos were produced after the water level drop in the spawner than before. These data indicate the effectiveness of the spawner design and illustrate that very large numbers of developmentally synchronized zebrafish embryos may be produced in a short period of time. For example, at least about 600 to about 800 embryos per hour may be generated per spawner of the size used. 
     An additional trial was performed using the same procedure as described above with a sex ratio of 2 females to 1 male and a total of 36 AB strain zebrafish, including 24 females and 12 males, all born on the same day. The total embryo production is shown in Table No. 2. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE NO. 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Embryo Production 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 Total 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Volume 
                 Total 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 of 
                 Number 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Embryos 
                 of 
                 Embryos/ 
               
               
                   
                 Week 
                 (mL) 
                 Embryos 
                 Female 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 1 
                 4.8 
                 2913 
                 121 
               
               
                   
                 2 
                 5.4 
                 3277 
                 142 
               
               
                   
                 3 
                 4.45 
                 2701 
                 112 
               
               
                   
                 4 
                 5.1 
                 3095 
                 128 
               
               
                   
                 5 
                 7 
                 4249 
                 177 
               
               
                   
                 6 
                 5.3 
                 3217 
                 134 
               
               
                   
                 7 
                 5.8 
                 3520 
                 146 
               
               
                   
                 8 
                 5.9 
                 3581 
                 149 
               
               
                   
                 AVE 
                   
                 3319 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.