Exploitation of Hippocampus spp . is an ongoing epidemic that can be ameliorated through refined use of anesthetics on seahorses during transit and aquaculture. In this investigation, efficacy of two anesthetics, tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) and eugenol, were compared in the seahorse species Hippocampus erectus. Findings were evaluated against H.kuda data, from an investigation conducted by Pawar and coworkers, to determine if intrageneric correlations for anesthetic type or dose exist. Efficacy was determined based upon induction times within 180s and recovery times within 300s. 150mg/L of MS-222 was deemed fit for proper sedation. Eugenol concentrations of 30, 40 and 50mg/L did not effectively sedate H.erectus. Induction times did not differ significantly between species for all MS-222 concentrations. Low eugenol concentrations presented significantly different times.  Trends between anesthetics are discussed as consequences of their unique chemical properties; specifically, how interplay between the anesthetic polarity and differing environmental conditions attributed to these findings.

Use of anesthetics on seahorses: Are intrageneric dose correlations possible

245th National Meeting (2013)

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