Evaluation sedation and anesthesia effects of Dianthus, Lavender, and Valerian plants on Astronatus ocellatus fish

Various chemical substances are used as anesthetic agents in fish farms and research centers. The aim of this study was to evaluation sedation and anesthesia effects of Dianthus (Syzygium aromaticum), Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and Lavender (lavandula officinalis) plants on Astronatus ocellatus fish by immersion technique. For this purpose, 30 fish with an average size of 6±0.5 centimeters were selected and divided in three groups. Dianthus in a 0.3 g/l, Valerian in a 1.8 ml/l and Lavender in a 1.8 ml/l concentration were used. Anesthesia onset, duration and recovery time were recorded separately for each group. Valerian extract had no anesthesia effects on fish and only occasioned their sedation. Dianthus and lavender caused anesthesia that anesthesia times in dianthus was shorter than lavender. But only anesthesia duration time with lavander in comparison with dianthus was significantly (P<0.05). Yet, there is no report about using lavender as an anaesthetic in fish.In this study Lavender was used because of its sedative and analgesic effects.It can be used in fish anesthesia because of good induction and anesthesia time, accessibility and suitable price.