Comparative Efficacies of Clove Oil, Tricaine methanesulfonate and 2-Phenoxyethanol as Anesthetic for Juveniles and Adults <i>Mugil cephalus</i> and <i>Sparus aurata</i>

Abstract

The efficacies of three types of anesthetics clove oil, Tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) and 2-Phenoxyethanol were examined to evaluate the response of Mugil cephalus and Sparus aurata juveniles and adults for a short period sedation. The main objective of the current study is to determine the optimal dose for short time fish handling in selected species. The concentrations of clove oil were (5, 10, 15 mL -1 for juvenile) and (15, 20, 25 mL -1 for adults), MS-222 concentrations were (50, 75, 100 mL -1 for juvenile) and (100, 125, 150 mL -1 for adults) and 2-Phenoxyethanol concentrations were (200, 250, 300 mL -1 for juvenile), (300, 350, 400 mL -1 for adults).The examined anesthetics were used at constant environmental conditions and temperature (22 ± 1°C). The time of induction was recorded for each fish when fish lost total equilibrium, its opercular movement rate was reduced and fish did not respond to pressure on its body (S). Also, the time of recovery was recorded when fish started swimming in a normal manner (R). The current results revealed that the response of both species to anesthetics was different. Variation in fish species showed significant differences in time durations for sedation and recovery responding to the examined anesthetics for adults and juveniles. In conclusion, clove oil was the most effective anesthetic for juveniles and adults M. cephalus and S. aurata handling in addition to its low price.