The use of eugenol as an anaesthetic for the handling of Pintado juveniles (Pseudoplatystoma corruscans) - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v28i3.400

Abstract

In this work the efficacy of eugenol as an anaesthetic in Pintado juveniles (Pseudoplatystoma corruscans) was evaluated by two experimental assays. In the first one, the animals (n=6) were exposed for 10 minutes to four concentrations of eugenol (25; 50; 75; 100 mg L^-1). The observed behavioral patterns were: loss of equilibrium, sedative effect and reduction of opercular movement. In the second assay, the concentrations of 50; 75; 100 mg L^-1 of eugenol were tested. The animals were maintained in the anaesthetic bath until they reached the stage of anaesthesia IV: total loss of equilibrium, muscle tonus and reduction of opercular movement. The recovery was conducted in an aquarium containing 10 liters of anaesthetic free water, with constant aeration. The efficacy of clove oil as an anaestetics for Pintado juveniles were demonstrated after the assays and the 50 mg L^-1 concentration was defined as the most adequate to usual proceedings in the handling of these animals.