There is little standardization among invertebrate shipping containers and labeling of containers simply relies on permanent marker. This invertebrate tube is fully reusable with a material cost of <$2, is crush-resistant, and has an integrated labeling system. The invertebrate tube also functions as a container to segregate individuals during husbandry and experiments. The tube is modular allowing multiple tubes to be connected to adjust the space available for the occupant. The bottom of the tube can be printed with different degrees of air space (i.e., infill setting) so tubes can be engineered to float upright (heavier bottom) or on the side (lighter bottom). The top of the tube has an integrated feeding hole. This device will increase efficiency of husbandry and offers a scalable and standardized solution for shipping and experimentation. This device is also generalizable to other species beyond sea urchins.

Note: This hardware has a 90˚ overhang but do not print with any supports. Updated version is under development.

Developed by Cameron Bonds, Mary Jo Dardis, Honore Miguel Simo, Jack Koch at the Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center (AGGRC). This work funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute of Health (NIH), USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), LSU AgCenter, and USDA Hatch.

Please visit AGGRC.com to learn more about our work.

All Fusion 360 files can be found on our GitHub through the following link:

https://github.com/aggrc/Invertebrate-Tube-V1.9.0