The effect of MS-222 on the cardiac and respiratory function and behaviour of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., during general anaesthesia

Abstract

Anaesthetics used in aquaculture are intended to limit stress reactions of fishes, diminish transportation losses, and facilitate rearing, sanitary, or surgical procedures. They also have an ethical aspect, i.e. making the abovementioned activities more humane. The efficacy of an anaesthetic may be assessed based on visual observation of fish behaviour such as movements and changes in reactivity. These responses are usually qualitative and are often described variably by different authors. The aim of this study was to link the observed behavioural changes in the course of fish anaesthesia with concurrent functional responses in cardiac and respiratory rhythms.