Menthol as a sustainable alternative anaesthetic for adult zebrafish (Danio rerio).

ABSTRACT: The use of anaesthetics has become pivotal in promoting ethical, sustainable, and responsible welfare practices in aquaculture and research procedures. However, species-specific reactions and side-effects have arisen from the use of the most common anaesthetics (MS-222 and eugenol). This study investigated the potential of menthol, a naturally derived and environmentally friendly compound, as an alternative immersion anaesthetic for adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) through concentration-response assays and the evaluation of cardiorespiratory, locomotion and aversive-related effects. Concentrations below 25 mg/L did not induce anaesthetic states while concentrations of 50 and 75 mg/mL were considered the most effective, as they successfully induced anaesthesia with induction and recovery times

SUBMITTER: Felix L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12380966 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature