Anaesthetic effects of clove oil on seven species of tropical reef teleosts

The anaesthetic potential of the clove oil was tested on the following species of tropical reef fishes: Abudefduf saxatilis , Stegastes variabilis , Pareques acuminatus , Acanthurus chirurgus , Sparisoma axillare , Lutjanus apodus and Bathygobius soporator . Induction and recovery times from anaesthesia were compared using various concentrations (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 mg l⁻¹). Induction and recovery times were not affected by variations in fish total length. When exposed to any of the five tested concentrations of clove oil, specimens achieved a deep state of anaesthesia, with induction and recovery times of <180 and <300 s, respectively. Nevertheless, to maximize safety and reduce fish mortality and stress, the lowest concentration (20 mg l⁻¹) is recommended during field sampling.