Menthol and eugenol as natural anesthetics for early juveniles of curimba

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate menthol and eugenol as anesthetics for early juveniles of curimba, Prochilodus lineatus. Juveniles of 4.0±0.5 g and a total length of 8.8±0.1 cm were exposed to the anesthetics menthol (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 mg L-1) and eugenol (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 mg L-1) up to deep anesthesia. The anesthetic effects were evaluated measuring the induction time to deep anesthesia (characterized by loss of equilibrium, absence of swimming, reduction of opercular movements, and responses only to intense tactile stimuli), recovery time, time to appetite return, and mortality rate after 96 h of procedure. The concentrations between 60 to 80 mg of menthol L-1provided the lowest time of induction. Increased concentrations led to a decrease in recuperation time. The concentrations between 50 to 70 mg of eugenol L-1 provided the lowest induction times; however, recovery time was not affected by eugenol concentrations. The return to appetite was observed 24 h after anesthesia, while the survival after 96 h was > 90%. Concentrations of 60 and 50 mg L-1 of menthol and eugenol, respectively, are recommended for effective anesthesia with limited side effects.