Anaesthesia of Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) Effect of pre‐anaesthetic sedation,and importance of body weight and water temperature

The efficacy of the anaesthetic agents benzocaine, metacaine (MS‐222), metomidate, 2‐phenoxyethanol, quinaldine and isoeugenol was studied in Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus). Fish with an average body weight of 33 g were anaesthetized at 8 °C and fish with an average body weight of 1243 g were anaesthetized at 8 and 15 °C. Agents were tested individually and as combination anaesthesia comprising pre‐anaesthetic sedation, followed by anaesthesia. Induction and recovery times varied in relation to the body weight and water temperature. Large fish had longer induction times and shorter recovery times, and displayed reduced responsiveness to handling compared with small fish. A higher temperature resulted in shorter induction times, longer recovery times and increased responsiveness to handling. Lower dosages were used for all agents in combination anaesthesia. In small fish, this had no effect on the induction times but resulted in shorter recovery times and reduced responsiveness to handling. In large fish, combination anaesthesia resulted in shorter induction times whereas no uniform trend in recovery times and no differences in responsiveness to handling were observed. Neither individual agents nor combinations blocked all reflex reactions to external stimulation in all fish of any treatment group. MS‐222 and benzocaine, used separately or in combination anaesthesia, were the most effective agents in reducing reflex reactions.     

The ability of clove oil and MS-222 to minimize handling stress in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum)

The effects of 60‐mg L^?1 clove oil and 60‐mg L^?1 tricaine methanesulphonate (MS‐222) on the blood chemistry of rainbow trout were compared after exposure to handling stress via caudal puncture blood sampling. Fish sampled by caudal puncture and subsequently exposed to anaesthetics showed a typical handling stress response over a 48‐h period. There were no significant differences between the responses of fish exposed to equal concentrations of clove oil and MS‐222, with the following exceptions: the blood glucose at full anaesthesia, and lactate at full recovery increased significantly in the clove oil‐exposed fish. In a subsequent experiment, the stress response observed in fish sampled by caudal puncture and exposed to clove oil and MS‐222 was compared with a non‐anaesthetized control group. The increases in plasma cortisol levels were significantly lower at recovery in fish treated with either anaesthetic compared with the control fish. Fish exposed to MS‐222 had significantly higher cortisol levels at 1 h. These findings show that few differences exist between the anaesthetic effects of clove oil and MS‐222 on the physiological response of fish to stress. However, clove oil is more effective at reducing the short‐term stress response induced by handling and blood sampling, and is recommended as an alternative fish anaesthetic.     

Anaesthetic efficacy of clove oil,benzocaine, 2‐phenoxyethanol and tricaine methanesulfonate in juvenile marbled spinefoot (Siganus rivulatus)

Anaesthetics are used in aquaculture and fisheries to facilitate routine procedures, such as capture, handling, transportation, tagging, grading and measurements that can often cause injury or induce physiological stress. Two experiments were performed to assess the efficacies of four anaesthetic agents, clove oil, benzocaine, 2‐phenoxyethanol and MS‐222 on juvenile marbled spinefoot rabbitfish (Siganus rivulatus). In the first experiment we tested the lowest effective doses that produced induction and recovery times in 3 min or less and 5 min or less respectively. Dosages were 70 mg L^?1 for clove oil, 60–70 mg L^?1 for benzocaine, 400 μL L^?1 for 2‐phenoxyethanol and 100–125 mg L^?1 for MS‐222. In the second experiment, we determined optimal concentrations of the four anaesthetics if they were to be used to transport rabbitfish fry. Anaesthetic concentrations suitable for handling and transport were: 10–15 mg L^?1 of MS‐222, 5–10 mg L^?1 of benzocaine, 5 mg L^?1 of clove oil and 50–100 μL L^?1 of 2‐phenoxyethanol. All anaesthetic agents are acceptable for use on S. rivulatus, however, 2‐phenoxyethanol, MS‐222 and clove oil appear to be more suitable than benzocaine. Further studies need to be conducted on effects of high and low doses of anaesthetic agents on physiology of marbled spinefoot.     

Anaesthetic efficacy of MS‐222 and AQUI‐S® in advanced size fry of rohu,Labeo rohita, (Hamilton‐Buchanan)

Anaesthetic agents are very useful for reducing the stress caused by handling, sorting, transportation, artificial reproduction, tagging, administration of vaccines and surgical procedures in fish. The efficacy of two anaesthetics: MS‐222 and AQUI‐S^® were tested on rohu, Labeo rohita advanced size fry. The lowest effective doses that produced induction in 3 min or less and recovery times 5 min or less and meet the most criteria of good anaesthetic characteristics were 125 mg L^?1 of MS‐222, and 30 mg L^?1 of AQUI‐S^® in rohu, Labeo rohita advanced size fry. Induction times were significantly decreased with increased in the concentrations of any of the two tested anaesthetic agents. The lowest doses suitable for transportation of rohu advanced size fry observed were: 10–15 mg L^?1 of MS‐222 and 2.5 mg L^?1 AQUI‐S^®. Both anaesthetics showed promising to be used as anaesthetics for handling and transportation in rohu (Labeo rohita) advanced fry.     

Comparative efficacy of MS-222 and benzocaine as anaesthetics under simulated transport conditions of a tropical ornamental fish Puntius filamentosus (Valenciennes)

There is a growing commercial interest in the fish, Puntius filamentosus , in the ornamental fish trade in India and elsewhere. The trade is, however, hampered by severe mortalities during transport of the fish owing to insufficient data available on the use of anaesthetics. To resolve this problem, we evaluated the efficacy of two anaesthetics, MS-222 and benzocaine, in sedating P. filamentosus in simulated transportation experiments and used stress response parameters such as cortisol and blood glucose levels to perform assessments. We observed that MS-222 at 40 mg L⁻¹ and benzocaine at 20 mg L⁻¹ were sufficient to induce sedation for 48 h. Above these concentrations, both the anaesthetics adversely affected the fish and resulted in mortalities. Both anaesthetics significantly lowered the blood cortisol and glucose levels compared with the unsedated controls. Importantly, the anaesthetics treatment significantly lowered the post-transport mortality in the fish. The results of the study show that MS-222 and benzocaine could be used as sedatives to alleviate transport-related stress in P. filamentosus to improve their post-transport survival and hence reduce economic loss.     

The use of clove oil as an anaesthetic for the longfinned eel, Anguilla reinhardtii (Steindachner)

To handle large river eels during procedures such as measuring and tagging for field and aquaculture studies, they must be anaesthetized. During our initial biological studies of Anguilla reinhardtii (Steindachner) it was found that the anaesthetic benzocaine was relatively expensive and elicited a variable response, even when used at relatively high concentrations. Human health risks are also a concern when using benzocaine, as some of the eels may later be sold for human consumption. Therefore, experiments were done to evaluate the use of clove oil (a safe, naturally occurring product) for anaesthesia of this species at a range of temperatures (17 and 25 °C) and salinities (0–32 g L^?1). It was found that clove oil provided a suitable anaesthetic response through this wide range of temperatures and salinities. Response times were found to be relatively variable for both benzocaine and clove oil. This variability may be related to stress, environmental factors, or the condition of the fish. Clove oil is recommended for anaesthesia of anguillid eels because it is effective, relatively inexpensive, and poses little risk to human health.     

A meta-analytic review of monoterpene for fish anaesthesia

The use of anaesthetic agents has been increasing to address the welfare needs of different fish species in scientific and aquaculture practices. MS-222 is the most used synthetic anaesthetic but some limitations and side effects have been reported. Natural substances have been used as potential substitutes with clove oil playing an important role due to its eugenol content. Yet, other monoterpenes have shown anaesthetic properties in different fish species. As such, a quantitative assessment has been conducted to explicitly relate and summarise the use of monoterpenes with described anaesthetic properties in fish. A combined PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed Central and Europe PMC electronic database search was performed, from January 2002 to August 2022, following the PRISMA guidelines. Out of 1555 articles retrieved from the literature search, 30 English reports met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis through a generic inverse-variance method (random-effects model) and according to the fish age. The findings show a total of 10 different monoterpenes with high homogeneity and effectiveness in inducing anaesthesia and recovery according to the fish anaesthetic criteria. Further subgroup analysis showed these effects were independent of fish age. Meta-regression of the included studies revealed an inverse linear association between anaesthesia induction and recovery time and water bath temperature while no further correlation was found with other confounding factors (body weight, water pH and dissolved oxygen levels). Although further studies will be required, this meta-analysis provides robust evidence that different monoterpenes serve as an attractive and effective alternative for fish anaesthesia although water bath temperature also played an important role in anaesthesia outcome.     

Essential oil of Aloysia triphylla in Nile tilapia: anaesthesia,stress parameters and sensory evaluation of fillets

The optimum concentration of anaesthetic used to facilitate fish handling can be determined based on induction and recovery time, among other factors. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the essential oil of Aloysia triphylla (EOAT) as an anaesthetic in the handling of Nile tilapia juveniles. Nile tilapias exemplars were immersed at 0 (control group), 10, 20, 30, 40, 80, 150, 300 and 450 μL L^?1 EOAT to evaluate sedation, anaesthesia and recovery time. The stress response was evaluated by the determination of plasma glucose, cortisol, lactate and paraoxonase levels in anaesthetized (300 μL L^?1 EOAT) and non‐anaesthetized fish. Fillets from both groups were evaluated for organoleptic characteristics (taste and odour). Concentrations of 80–450 μL L^?1 EOAT were effective in inducing anaesthesia. There was a significant reduction in plasma cortisol levels one hour after handling in individuals anaesthetized with 300 μL L^?1 EOAT compared to the control group. Tasters did not detect differences in fillet taste and odour between fish exposed and not exposed to EOAT. A concentration of 300 μL L^?1 EOAT is recommended for handling Nile tilapia because it presents good anaesthetic induction and recovery times, causes a reduction in plasma cortisol levels one hour after handling and does not affect the taste or odour of the fillets.     

Cortisol and haematological response in sea bream and trout subjected to the anaesthetics clove oil and 2-phenoxyethanol

Clove oil has been tested for anaesthesia induction and recovery time as well as for haematology and stress indicators in the gilthead sea bream and rainbow trout. The former parameters were compared with those generated by 2‐phenoxyethanol. The results showed only slight differences between both anaesthetics in terms of anaesthetic efficiency and physiological effects. In addition, clove oil does not block the cortisol response to stress, as happens with other anaesthetics.     

The use of clove oil, metomidate, tricaine methanesulphonate and 2-phenoxyethanol for inducing anaesthesia and their effect on the cortisol stress response in black sea bass (Centropristis striata L.)

Juvenile and adult black sea bass (Centropristis striata L.) were exposed to various concentrations of four anaesthetics to determine practical dosages for handling as well as for procedures such as bleeding, ovarian biopsy or tag implantation. In experiment 1, juveniles exposed to either 2.0 mg L^?1 metomidate, 15 mg L^?1 clove oil, 70 mg L^?1 tricaine methanesulphonate (TMS) or 200 mg L^?1 2‐phenoxyethanol (2‐PE) reached stage II of anaesthesia in 3–5 min and could be handled for weighing and measuring. All fish had completed recovery to stage III within 6 min. In experiment 2, the established concentrations of each anaesthetic were tested on juveniles to determine their ability to prevent a reflex to a subcutaneous needle puncture. All of the fish exposed to clove oil (20 mg L^?1) and 40% of the TMS‐treated (70 mg L^?1) fish reacted while none of the fish anaesthetized in metomidate (2.0 mg L^?1) or 2‐PE (200 mg L^?1) responded to the needle puncture. In experiment 3, metomidate (5.0 mg L^?1), clove oil (30 mg L^?1) TMS (125 mg L^?1) or 2‐PE (300 mg L^?1) were all effective for performing an ovarian biopsy or tag implantation on adults. In experiment 4, TMS (125 mg L^?1) exacerbated the cortisol response to a short handling stressor during a 30 min exposure. Fish anaesthetized in 2‐PE (300 mg L^?1), metomidate (5.0 mg L^?1) or clove oil (40 mg L^?1) had increased cortisol levels associated with the handling stressor but there were no further increases during the remainder of the experimental period. The results demonstrate that these anaesthetics are effective for sedation and anaesthesia of black sea bass and that the best choice is dependant upon the procedures to be performed.     

Anesthesia during Vaccination of Atlantic Salmon: Compliance with Recommended Procedures

The preparation and use of two anesthetic agents for fish, a buffered metacaine solution for anesthesia in connection with vaccination procedure, and an available benzocaine solution for minor procedures, were studied at a commercial fish farm producing Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., smolts. The procedures were compared with the given recommendations to evaluate compliance with recommended procedures and labels. The personnel were evaluated to be non‐compliant with labels and procedures for both anesthetic agents used and the recommended exposure time in the baths. Five important themes were identified: the preparation and use of the anesthetics, fish welfare, training procedures, and occupational hazard aspects. One important reason for non‐compliance was that the rate of delivery of anesthetized fish to the vaccination table was more dependent on the speed of vaccination, and less on the anesthetic depth of the fish. This may be a management issue. Management decisions may create an environment leading to situations where errors are more likely to occur. Better communication between the fish health‐service team and the personnel, more tailored procedures, and a preprepared anesthetic agent might increase compliance with procedures and may promote fish welfare and welfare of the employees.     

Anaesthetic and antioxidant effects of Myrcia sylvatica (G. Mey.) DC. and Curcuma longa L. essential oils on tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum)

Anaesthetic substances are necessary to reduce fish stress during aquaculture activities. The objectives of this study were: (i) to determine the efficacy of essential oils (EOs) of Myrcia sylvatica (EOMS) and Curcuma longa (EOCL) as anaesthetics for Colossoma macropomum and (ii) to evaluate the effects of rapid anaesthesia and long‐term sedation (6 h) with these oils. Therefore, the main primary stress indicator (cortisol) and secondary factors (biochemical indices, hepatic metabolism, oxidative biomarkers) were measured. Sedation with the EOCL resulted in lower cortisol levels compared to control group. Total cholesterol levels were lower in fish sedated with EOMS than in control. Lactate levels were higher in fish anaesthetized with both EOs and sedated with EOCL compared to control. Both EOs increased hepatic glycogen levels after anaesthesia and EOMS increased this parameter after sedation compared to control. Anaesthesia and sedation with EOs resulted in lower levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) compared to control. In turn, the activity of some antioxidant enzymes evaluated (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione‐S‐transferase), the content of non‐protein thiols and total reactive antioxidant potential were higher in tissues of fish anaesthetized and sedated with EOs compared to control. This induction of antioxidant capacity in the tissues could be due to the antioxidant property exerted by these EOs. Thus, EOMS and EOCL are recommended for anaesthesia and sedation of fish because in spite of inducing anaerobic metabolism, these EOs did not alter most biochemical parameters, reduced the LPO and increased the antioxidant capacity in vital tissues.     

Comparative adsorption evaluation of biochars from paper mill sludge with commercial activated carbon for the removal of fish anaesthetics from water in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

Tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222), benzocaine and 2-phenoxyethanol (2-PE) are widely used in intensive aquaculture systems to control stress during handling and confinement operations. This work aimed to study the adsorptive removal of these anaesthetics from water, comparing two waste-based adsorbents produced by pyrolysis of paper mill sludge with a commercial activated carbon. The use of commercial activated carbon resulted in maximum adsorption capacities of 631, 435 and 289 mg g^⿿1 for MS-222, benzocaine and 2-PE, respectively (obtained by the fitting of Langmuir-Freundlich model), which are between 4 and 8 times higher than those determined for the alternative adsorbents. Even so, the obtained results point to the promissory utilization of these waste-based adsorbents in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems, as an integrated way of managing such residues and treatment of aquaculture waters contaminated with anaesthetics.     

Change in blood stress and antioxidant markers and hydromineral balance of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) anaesthetized with citronellal and linalool: Comparison with eugenol

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of anaesthesia with citronellal and linalool on stress, antioxidant and hydromineral responses of common carp. Eugenol was used as control anaesthetic, as it is a common anaesthetic in aquaculture. The fish (110 ± 5.65 g) were exposed to 406 mg/L citronellal, 982 mg/L linalool or 43 mg/L eugenol within 5 min (short‐term anaesthesia) or 10 and 20 mg/L of each anaesthetic for 3 hr (long‐term exposure), before blood sampling. The results showed that the short‐term anaesthesia had no significant effects on plasma lactate, sodium, chloride and phosphorus levels and blood catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase activities. The short‐term anaesthesia with linalool led to higher stress responses (increased cortisol and glucose levels) and oxidative stress (increased malondialdehyde [MDA] level and decreased total antioxidant capacity [TAC] and glutathione peroxidase [GPx] activity) compared to the eugenol and citronellal. Citronellal group had significantly higher cortisol and lower TAC level and GPx activity compared to eugenol group. Under the long‐term exposure, increase in anaesthetic concentration led to significant increase in plasma cortisol, glucose and phosphorus levels. The linalool‐treated fish had significantly higher cortisol and MDA levels compared to the other groups. The eugenol group had significantly higher lactate and phosphorus and lower TAC levels compared to the other groups. Although citronellal causes slight increase in plasma cortisol level, it induces lower tissue damages compared to eugenol. Thus, citronellal might be an alternative anaesthetic for carp anaesthesia based on the present tested parameters.     

Silver catfish Rhamdia quelen immersion anaesthesia with essential oil of Aloysia triphylla (L'Hérit) Britton or tricaine methanesulfonate: effect on stress response and antioxidant status

Responses to anaesthesia with essential oil (EO) of Aloysia triphylla (135 and 180 mg L^?1) and tricaine methanesulfonate (MS222) (150 and 300 mg L^?1) were assessed in silver catfish. Exposure to the anaesthetics elicited a stress response in the species. In the case of MS222, it was displayed as a release of cortisol into bloodstream, elevation in hematocrit and plasma ion loss. The EO presented cortisol‐blocking properties, but increased haematocrit and disturbances of hydromineral balance were observed. Liver antioxidant/oxidant status of EO and MS222‐anaesthetized silver catfish was also estimated. The synthetic anaesthetic induced lipoperoxidation, notwithstanding increased catalase contents, whereas the naturally occurring product was capable of preventing the formation of lipid peroxides, possibly due to combined actions of catalase and glutathione‐S‐transferase. Anaesthetic efficacy was also tested via induction and recovery times. Overall, the promising results obtained for the physiological parameters of the EO‐treated fish counterbalanced the slight prolonged induction time observed for 180 mg L^?1. As for 135 mg L^?1, both induction and recovery times were lengthy; despite that, the EO was able to promote oxidative protection and mitigate stress. None of the MS222 concentrations prompted such responses concomitantly.     

Eugenol as an efficacious anaesthetic for tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier)

Anaesthetics are important in fish culture to reduce handling stress and mortality. Eugenol is a promising anaesthetic because of its low cost, efficacy, safety margin for fish and lack of toxicity to humans. The goal of this study was to establish a protocol using eugenol as a fish anaesthetic for tambaqui Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier), and provide information for regulating authorities on establishing safety dosage protocols for its use. Juvenile and sub‐adult tambaqui were first individually exposed to doses of 35, 50, 65, 85, 100 or 135 mg L^?1 eugenol for 10 min. A second experiment examined the effect of the duration of exposure to eugenol on the time required for recovery and survival of tambaqui. A eugenol dose of 65 mg L^?1 was adequate to induce fish of both sizes into a surgical anaesthetic state, and recovery time was similar for dosages up to 100 mg L^?1. Exposure to the ideal dose (65 mg L^?1) for up to 30 min did not cause fish mortality. Fish blood glucose values were similar for all the tested eugenol doses as well as with the benzocaine control. The results show that eugenol is an efficient and safe anaesthetic for tambaqui.     

Effects of repeated handling, with or without anaesthesia, on feed intake and growth in juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)

The effects of weekly anaesthetization with clove oil and tricaine methanesulphonate (MS‐222) on feed intake and growth were examined in juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), held individually. Repeated handling without anaesthetics significantly reduced feed intake and weight gain compared with an unhandled control group during an 8‐week experiment. When anaesthetics were used during handling the feed consumption and weight gain were significantly (MS‐222) or not significantly (clove oil) higher than in fish handled without anaesthesia. When compared with the unhandled control group, neither of these two anaesthetics had significant effects on feed intake but, in contrast to MS‐222, repeated anaesthesia with clove oil had a significant negative effect on growth. However, the effects of MS‐222 and clove oil on the growth were not significantly different from each other. Feed conversion ratio (feed/gain) of MS‐222‐anaesthetized fish was significantly higher compared with unhandled control and handled control fish but was not significantly different from fish anaesthetized with clove oil. These results suggest that both MS‐222 and clove oil alleviate handling stress in juvenile rainbow trout, and that these two anaesthetics are rather similar with respect to their effects during repeated exposures.     

Alpinia galanga oil—A new natural source of fish anaesthetic

This study explores the anaesthetic activity of Alpinia galanga oil (AGO) in fish. Cyprinus carpio (koi carp) was used as a fish model. It was found that the induction time to stage 3 anaesthesia and the recovery time of the fish after exposure to AGO were exponentially and polynomially correlated to AGO concentrations. The viability of normal blood cells of koi carp anaesthetized with 500 mg/L AGO was found to be higher than 90% for normal red blood cells and white blood cells and 89% for peripheral blood nuclear cells indicating nontoxicity of AGO to the fish. A concentration of 300 mg/L of AGO was the most suitable for anaesthetizing koi carp due to the safety and effectiveness aspects as being ideally fitted to anaesthetic criteria. This concentration gave the induction time of 205.55 ± 5.07 s and the recovery time of 202.50 ± 9.30 s. Determination of stress biomarker such as blood cortisol and glucose as well as gene expression showed that the blood cortisol level of the fish anaesthetized with AGO was similar to normal levels. Moreover, blood glucose level was significantly less increased than those anaesthetized with tricaine methanesulfonate. Gene expressions of the fish cortisol receptor, cytochrome oxidase subunit1, heat shock protein 70 and Na⁺/K⁺‐ATPaseα₃ were significantly reduced after exposure to AGO indicating the advantages of AGO on fish stress reduction. Thus, AGO is a promising natural source for an alternative fish anaesthetics.     

Use of MS‐222 (tricaine methanesulfonate) and propofol (2,6‐diisopropylphenol) as anaesthetics for the tetra Astyanax altiparanae (Teleostei,Characidae)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anaesthetic effect of MS‐222 and propofol and determine their optimal concentrations for safe handling of the tetra Astyanax altiparanae in the laboratory. The fish were separated by length into three classes: I (1.5–5.0 cm), II (5.1–8.0 cm) and III (greater than 8.1 cm). Pilot tests were performed to evaluate the appropriate anaesthetic concentrations for inducing the five possible anaesthetic stages: I – sedation; II – light anaesthesia; III – deep anaesthesia; IV – surgical anaesthesia; and V – spinal collapse. After defining the maximum and minimum concentrations required to induce stage IV anaesthesia, the animals were exposed to five intermediate concentrations (n = 10 fish/concentration) of each anaesthetic for 15 min. The animals were then transferred to clean water to evaluate the time required for recovery. In addition, blood glucose levels were measured for class II and class III fish subjected to the previously defined ideal concentrations for each of the tested anaesthetics (n = 10 fish/treatment). Both evaluated substances are suitable to anaesthetize A. altiparanae. The optimal MS‐222 concentration was 90 mg L^?1, and this result was similar for all three size classes. The optimal propofol concentrations for inducing surgical anaesthesia in the size classes I, II and III were 0.22, 0.23 and 0.27 respectively.     

Effect of anaesthesia with clove oil in fish (review)

Clove oil is an effective, local and natural anaesthetic. Many hatcheries and research studies use clove oil to immobilize fish for handling, sorting, tagging, artificial reproduction procedures and surgery and to suppress sensory systems during invasive procedures. Clove oil may be more appropriate for use in commercial aquaculture situations. Improper clove oil use can decrease fish viability, distort physiological data or result in mortalities. Because animals may be anaesthetized by unskilled labourers and released in natural water bodies, training in the proper use of clove oil may decrease variability in recovery and experimental results and increase fish survival. Here, we briefly describe many aspects of clove oil, including the legal uses of it, anaesthesia mechanism and what is currently known about the preparation and behavioural and pathologic effects of the anaesthetic. We outline methods and precautions for administration and changes in fish behaviour during progressively deeper anaesthesia and discuss the physiological effects of clove oil, its potential for compromising fish health and effectiveness of water quality parameters.