<b>Stress responses to handling in Nile tilapia (<em>Oreochromis niloticus</em> Linnaeus): assessment of eugenol as an alternative anesthetic</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.401

Abstract

Eugenol, the main component of clove oil, has been proposed as an alternative fish anesthetic with no apparent toxic effects to people and environment. In addition, anesthesia may reduce stress and risk of trauma to fish during handling. Therefore, the use of anesthetics may reduce fish mortality. However, studies are required on short-term exposures to eugenol to assure the target animal safety of this product. The present work reports evaluation of biochemical responses of Nile tilapia to handling with concurrent two environmental concentrations of eugenol. Based on the results of this study, eugenol appears to be a safe anesthetic for use in this species.