MS-222 toxicity in juvenile seabream correlates with diurnal activity, as measured by a novel video-tracking method

Fish are frequently exposed to anaesthetics since their use is necessary in several aquaculture procedures. The aim of this study was to investigate the existence of day–night differences in the toxicity and effectiveness of a common fish anaesthetic (MS-222) in juvenile gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), determining the induction time of anaesthesia and subsequent recovery by a novel video-recording system. Our results showed that MS-222 toxicity was significantly higher at ML (mid-light) (LC50 = 85.5 mg/L) than at MD (mid-darkness) (LC50 = 107.6 mg/L) (trimmed Spearman-Karber method). In addition, when fish were exposed to a sublethal but effective MS-222 concentration (65 mg/L), 7 min passed before a 50% reduction in swimming activity was observed at ML compared to the 9 min required at MD. As regards recovery, fish showed activity levels similar to basal levels 10 min after MS-222 removal at ML, but only 6 min at MD. These results indicated that both toxicity and effectiveness were higher during the day than at night, coinciding with the diurnal activity pattern displayed by seabream, which should be taken into account when designing and applying daily protocols for anaesthesia in aquaculture.