Narcotization of Chinook Salmon Fingerlings with Tricaine Methanesulfonate (M.S. 222)

Abstract
Chinook salmon fingerlings were exposed to varying concentrations of tricaine methanesulfonate (M.S. 222) for a period of 5 minutes. Groups exposed to concentrations of 1:10,000 and greater experienced heavy mortality. Concentrations of 1:50,000 and less proved ineffective for narcotizing purposes. Experimental evidence indicates that the lowest concentration of the drug capable of narcotizing the test animals within the allotted time period is 1:33,000. Fingerlings can withstand this dose (1:33,000) for at least 105 minutes without ill effects but an immersion approaching 241 minutes is fatal. Fingerlings adapted to either a salt‐water environment of 52° F. or to a fresh‐water environment of 59° F. were narcotized with equal facility. During a 2‐week observation period following recovery, no latent effects of narcotization were noted in any test animal.

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