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Email the author (Login required) Stress response in transport of juvenile cobia Rachycentron canadum using the anesthetic benzocaine
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3856/vol44-issue3-fulltext-22
Abstract
This experiment evaluated the efficacy of benzocaine to reduce stress response during transport of juvenile cobia. Fish (30 g) were packed in bags and transported for 8 h (stocking density = 10 g L-1). Three concentrations of benzocaine were evaluated: 0, 2, and 6 mg L-1. Blood samples were taken for glucose and hematocrit before transportation, and then at 0, 2, 24, and 48 h after. Water quality parameters were verified. No mortality was observed. Total ammonia nitrogen was higher (2.46 mg L-1) and pH was lower (6.92) at 2 mg benzocaine L-1. There was an increase in blood glucose for all treatments on arrival, and it was higher for those exposed to benzocaine at 6 mg L-1, although at 48 h they were all similar. The hematocrit did not differ among treatments. The results suggest: 1) the density 10 g L-1 is considered safe for juvenile cobia transport; 2) benzocaine did not mitigate stress response on cobia during transport, therefore its use is not recommended for this purpose.
