EFFECT OF BENZOCAINE ON OPERCULAR MOVEMENT AND OXYGEN CONSUMPTION IN CHANNA PUNCTATUS (BLOCH)
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Abstract
Effect of anaesthetization with benzocaine @ 18.0mg.1-1 on juveniles
of Channa punctatus was observed using a cylindrical glass respirometer.
Oxygen consumption and opercular movement were studied at 3h and 24h of
anaesthetization. The oxygen consumption of control fish increased linearly
from 0.183+ 0.029 to 0.481+ 0.034 miO .h-1 with an increase in body weight
from 1.45+0.18to 6.12+0.1lg and showe~ a reduction (p<0.001) of about 41%
in 3h and 37% in 24h anaesthetization of Benzocaine. Similarll, the opercular
movement of control fish ranging between 46+1to 49+1min- came down to
show a reduction (p<0.001) of 43% and 38% respectively in 3h and 24h
anaesthetization. The information is useful in calculation of oxygen requirement
of this species for live transportation and other experimental purpose.
Keywords : Benzocaine, Anaesthetic, Oxygen consumption, Opercular
movement, Channa punctatus