evaluation of the anesthetic and tranquilizing effects of clove powder (syzygium aromaticum) and lavender oil (lavandula officinalis) in convict cichlid fish (cichlasoma nigrofasciata)

Objective-the present study describes the anesthetic effects of essential oil of lavender (lavandula officinalis) in convict cichlid fish (cichlasoma nigrofasciata) in comparison with clove powder (syzygium aromaticum). study design- experimental study animals- 25 juvenile convict cichlid fish with unknown sex and an average weight of 4.2 ± 0.5 g were used (n = 5 for each experimental group per experiment). methods- the fish were divided into five groups, initially with five fish per group. each group was subjected to one of four final concentrations [0.3 and 0.5 g/l] of clove powder and [1.8 and 3 cc/l] essential oil of lavender and control group was for determination of the basal values for blood parameters. the times for sedation, pre-anesthesia, and anesthesia were recorded based on the behavioral events seen after exposing the fish to each aquarium. after induction of anesthesia, the fish were transferred to anesthetic-free aquariums, and recovery time was recorded. blood samples were taken by dissecting peduncle just 30 minutes after fish were placed in water contain anesthetics. results- essential oil of lavender had efficacy to anesthetize the fish, and its sedation was similar to the clove powder at a commensurate concentration in convict cichlid fish. however, the anesthesia form was different. conclusions and clinical relevance- lavender oil as a sedative and anesthetic agent can be used in fish.