Efficiency of Anaesthetics in combating stress in fish transportation of Etroplus maculatus (Bloch, 1795)

Ornamental fishes are show pieces and expressions of aquatic splendor. The ornamental fish industry has now secured an essential section of international trade for which, fish needs to be transported to far away destinations. Ornamental fish packaging systems are characterized by very high fish loading densities and high metabolic wastes in the transport water. Stress created due to this affects the survival of the fish. Therefore new technologies needs to be undertaken for fish transportation. Anaesthetics are nowadays used for fish transportation. These are drugs that cause a reversible loss of consciousness. The fish ventilates these anaesthetics and it enters the blood stream. However knowledge of appropriate concentration to be used is essential for any aquarist. Therefore in the present study efficiency of 2-Phenoxyethanol, Clove oil and Lemongrass oil as anaesthetic for transportation of Etroplus maculatus, a popular ornamental fish was done. A concentration of 60mg/l, 12mg/l and 8mg/l were ideal for transportation with 2- Phenoxy ethanol, Clove oil and Lemon grass oil as anaesthetic for the 48 hour transportation.