<b>Metabolic responses of matrinxã to eugenol in anesthetic baths</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v29i3.474

Abstract

Matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus) is a commercial fish that presents excessive movements during handling. This characteristic predisposes the animals to injuries and losses of scales that may result in high mortality rates. Eugenol, the main component of clove oil, has been reported as an alternative fish anesthetic because it is a natural product and cheap. However, studies remain necessary about the metabolic responses of tropical fishes to anesthetics. The present work evaluated metabolic responses of Brycon amazonicus to eugenol in simulated anesthetic baths. The fish metabolic demand was supplied mainly by amino acids catabolism. Typical metabolic stress responses to handling were detected but eugenol could not totally reduce them. On the other hand, the anesthetic dissolved in the water did not provoke any extra charge of stress during short-term exposures up to 60 mg L^-1 for 10 min. Eugenol provides safety to the workers in handling of matrinxã.