Journal of Aquaculture & Marine Biology

Research Article Open Access

The efficacy of clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) powder

as anaesthesia on African catfishes (Clarias gariepinus
and Heterobranchus bidorsalis) fingerlings
Abstract Volume 7 Issue 4 - 2018

The efficacy of clove powder as anaesthetic agent on C. gariepinus and Heterobranchus

bidorsalis fingerlings was investigated in this study and the water quality parameters of the Okey IB,1 Keremah RI,2 Gabriel UU3
test solutions also determined. The time of induction and recovery for various stages and Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, Cross River
1

concentrations was recorded in minutes using a stop watch. The concentrations used for the University of Technology, Nigeria
anaesthesia bioassay were 60, 70, 80, 100, 120, and 140mg/l. The water quality parameters Department of Fisheries/ Livestock Production Technology,
2

examined after 30mins did not differ (P<0.05) from those of control hence may not have Niger Delta University, Nigeria
contributed to the observed behaviour of the test fish. Fingerlings exposed to 60 and 70mg/l Department of Fisheries and aquatic environment, Rivers State
3

had partial anaesthesia and did not achieved stage 4(deep anaesthesia) after 30mins. Those University of Science and Technology, Nigeria
exposed to concentration above 70mg/l were completely immobilized (deep anaesthesia)
within 3–10mins depending on concentration. The mean time under each concentration Correspondence: Okey IB, Department of Fisheries and
increased significantly (P<0.05) from stages 1-4. The various stages of induction and Aquatic Science, Cross River University of Technology, Obubra
recovery of C. gariepinus were higher than those of H. bidorsalis except induction Campus, Cross River State, Nigeria, Email piusbass@yahoo.com
stages 1 and 3 and recovery stage 3. Increasing concentration proportionally decrease the
Received: May 06, 2018 | Published: July 03, 2018
induction time but increase the time required for full recovery. An ideal anaesthetic must
have among other qualities quick induction and slightly longer recovery time to allow for
varied manipulation as desirable. In this study clove powder at 120 and 140 mg/l induced
deep anaesthesia in less than 5mins with a recovery time of 25–27mins, making it an ideal
anaesthestic for African clarrid fingerlings.

Keywords: clove powder, african catfishes, fingerlings, induction, recovery

Introduction Clove powder is derived from the dry flower buds and stalks of
clove plant E. caryophyllata. The efficacy of this powder has been
Aquaculture practices frequently exposed fish to a variety of evaluated on common Iranian fish Roach, Rutilus rutilus.16 Clove
acute stressor that have the potential to negatively affect the normal powder is readily available, highly soluble in water and cheap. In
performance and survival of organism.1,2 Anaesthetic abolishes pain Nigeria clove products are sold in most herbal shops and markets
in fish and induces a calming effect, loss of equilibrium, mobility and use primarily for flavouring food (spice) and supplement for topical
consciousness.3,4 In fisheries research and aquacultural operations, treatment of tooth ache, common cold, cough and inflammation of the
anaesthetics are necessary to minimize stress and reduce physical mouth and throat.19 In cross river, clove flower buds are commonly
injury of fish during various handling procedures and transportation.5,6 known as “zobo” spice sold in most markets across the state.
Anaesthetics have also been reported to minimize mortality and
reduce susceptibility to pathogens and infections.7 Anaesthetics most The African catfishes, Clarias gariepinus and Heterobranchus
commonly used by commercial fish culturist and biologist include bidorsalis constitute the largest group of cultured species after carp,
metomidate, tricaine methane sulphonate (MS 222), etomidate, salmonids and tilapia, and they grow well under various culture
benzocaine- hydrochloride, phenoxyethanol and eugenol.8‒10 Some systems of the world.20 Their culture is becoming more popular among
plant extract such as Derris (rotenone), tephrosia (tephrosin), fish farmers in Cross River, where they are being transported from
Erythrophleum (alkaloid and tanin), Pyrus (tannin and saponin) and hatcheries sites to grow out ponds research labouratories. According
Tobacco (nicotine) have also been reported to have anaesthetic effects to Sudagara et al.,16 clove powder is highly soluble in water, cheap
on fish.11‒13 Clove oil derived from clove plant Eugenia caryophyllata and effective anaesthetic to Roach with reversible damage to damage
(4- allyl–methoxylphenol) is regarded as the best anaesthetics to to bloodstream. Similar observation was reported by Okey et al.,21
various fishes.14,15 for hybrid catfish on clove powder. The aim of the study is the
determine the efficacy and effective concentration of clove powder on
The desirable attributes of anaesthetics used for fin fish include, the two species of African catfishes C. gariepinus and H. bidorsalis
short induction and recovery time, non-toxicity to fish and humans, fingerlings.
no lasting physiological effects, rapid clearance from the body, high
solubility in fresh and salt water, availability and cost effectiveness.8,16 Materials and methods
Sudagara et al.,16 stated that although clove oil is adjudged the best
anaesthtics for aquaculture organism but not readily soluble in water, Dry E. caryophyllata flower buds were procured from a herbal
not easily available and costly. To solve this problem, biologists and shop in watt market Calabar, Calabar South Local Government Area
aquaculturists have been searching for alternative anaesthetics that of Cross River State, Nigeria. The materials were identified at the
apart from been less toxic, efficacious and safe for humans, should be Department of Botany University of Calabar (UNICAL). They were
readily available and cheap.17,18 taken to the Fisheries Laboratory Cross River University of Technology
(CRUTECH,) Obubra Campus. The flower buds were sundried for 30

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©2018 Okey et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which
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The efficacy of clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) powder as anaesthesia on African catfishes (Clarias Copyright:
©2018 Okey et al. 183
gariepinus and Heterobranchus bidorsalis) fingerlings

min and then pulverized with a sterile manual blender and sieved with induction test and 20L mark for recovery. The different concentrations
100 micron net to obtain a fine powder. The powder was put in an were prepared by serial dilution of the stock solution and water
airtight container and stored in a dry place prior to commencement of added to make up to 20L that gave the desired test concentrations.
the experiment. Two hundred each of apparently healthy fingerlings The mixture was stirred with a glass rod for homogenous mixing.
of C. gariepinus (3.26g±2.30SD; 8.34cm±1.82SD) and H. bidorsalis Each concentration was stock with 10 fingerlings each in triplicate
(2.89g± 1.80SD; 7.55cm ±1.04SD) were procured from UNICAL and monitored for the onset of induction (anaesthesia) for 30 min as
fish Farm, Calabar and acclimated for 14 days at the Fisheries Wet periods greater than this were considered not ideal and impractical
Labouratory, Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) for routine fish handling procedures.14,22 The test fish were monitored
Obubra, Nigeria. No mortality was recorded during the period of following the various stages of induction and recovery time using a
acclimation and feeding was discontinued 12hours before and during stop watch (Table 1). Any of the test fish that lost balance and ceased
the experiment to minimize contamination of the test medium. A respiratory movements of the opercula (deep anaesthesia, stage 4) was
stock solution of clove power with a concentration of 200mg/L was removed immediately and transferred to about 20L of clove powder
prepared by dissolved 2g of clove powder into 10L of borehole water. free water. The time for the fish to enter the desirable anaesthesia
Exposure concentrations of clove powder were 60, 70, 80, 100, 120 level (induction) and that which is required for an anesthetized fish to
and 140mg/l, respectively. Thirty six glass aquaria were clean and regain equilibrium and began active swimming (recovery time) were
randomly labeled and each filled with water to the 15litres mark for recorded at each stage.

Table 1 Stages of anaesthesia (Induction) and recovery

Anaesthesia(induction) Recovery
Stages Stages
Behavior of the fish Behavior of the fish

Acceleration of the opercular movements, increased respiratory Body immobilized but opercular movements just
I I
activity, accompanied by uncoordinated locomotion. starting and weak, uncoordinated locomotion
Sporadic loss of equilibrium, difficulty maintaining position while at Regular opercular movements and gross body
II II
rest, high reaction to external stimuli. movements beginning.

III Complete loss of equilibrium; inability to regain upright position.

Equilibrium regained, normal swimming and pre-
III
anaesthetic appearance.
IV No reaction to handling or a sharp prod in the peduncle.

Source: Iwama et al.,23

During the study, the following water quality parameters were (39.32–38.80mg/l CaCO3). Conductivity (166.07-167.05µScm/l)
monitored in the experimental and control tanks: temperature, pH and alkalinity (37-41-38.51mg/l) had a slight increase above those of
dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, conductivity and hardness. The water control at 140mg/l of clove powder after 30mins of exposure.
temperature was measured using the mercury in glass thermometer
and recorded in 0C. Conductivity was with conductivity meter (PACM Induction and recovery of C. gariepinus and H. bidorsalis
35 Model) and pH meter (Model 3015 Jenway) for pH. Dissolved fingerling from clove powder anaesthetic
oxygen was measured with a digital oxygen meter. Alkalinity was The C. gariepinus fingerlings exposed to concentrations below
determined by standard method.24 Total hardness was determined 80mg/l did not reach stage 4 (complete immobilization) but with
by ethylene diamine- tetra acetic acid (EDTA) titration method. partial loss of equilibrium (stages 1–3) in 6–13mins. At 80mg/l, C.
Data obtain from the various stages of induction (anaesthesia) and gariepinus fingerlings lost equilibrium in 6-9 mins and completely
recovery time were subjected to various statistical tools. Descriptive immobilized in 12 mins and begins recovery in 7-9mins. At 120 and
statistic was used to obtain the means and standard error (Mean±S.E). 140 mg/l fish were completely anaesthetized (stage 4) within 2-5mins
Differences among mean time for different dosage to achieve various and regained equilibrium between 10–27mins. No mortality resulted
stages of anesthesia and recovery time on concentration were from anaesthesia within 60-120mg/l of clove powder after 30 mins
subjected to one way ANOVA using SPSS 18.0 version. Differences of exposure. The mean induction time under each concentration
in means were separated using Tukey–Honest Significant Different increased significantly (P<0.05) from stages 1–4. At the highest
(T-HSD) test and F-test for significant level at (p<0.05) between the concentration (140mg/l), the induction stages were not significant
treatments.25,26 (P>0.05) except at stage 4 (Table 3). The ANOVA indicated that
powder caused significant changes ((P<0.001) on all the stages of
Results induction and recovery.
Water quality parameters The anaesthesia and recovery time of H. bidorsalis from clove
The result of the water quality parameters as shown in Table 2 powder were similar to those of C. gariepinus fingerlings in which
indicates that their mean values did not differ (p>0.05) from those of increasing concentrations of clove powder proportionally decreased
the control. The mean values of the various parameters decreased with the time required for induction. No complete immobilization was
increasing concentrations as follows, temperature (28.13-26.88oC), achieved between 60–70mg/l of the anaesthetic. The time required
dissolved oxygen (4.74–4.12mg/l), pH(6.78–6.77) and hardness to attained partial anaesthesia at stage 3 (19.00 and 10.00mins) was

Citation: Okey IB, Keremah RI, Gabriel UU. The efficacy of clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) powder as anaesthesia on African catfishes (Clarias gariepinus and
Heterobranchus bidorsalis) fingerlings. J Aquac Mar Biol. 2018;7(4):182‒188. DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2018.07.00206
The efficacy of clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) powder as anaesthesia on African catfishes (Clarias Copyright:
©2018 Okey et al. 184
gariepinus and Heterobranchus bidorsalis) fingerlings

significantly higher than that of stage 2(10.88 and 7.73) for 60 and stages 3 (1.20min) and 4 (2.33min) were not significant (P<0.05). The
70mg/l respectively. At 120–140mg/l, the time to achieved complete recovering time at stages 3 was higher (p<0.05) than those of stages
immobilization was 4.93 and 2.33mins and completely regained 1 and 2 (Table 4). The ANOVA showed that clove caused highly
equilibrium in 16.80 and 25.20mins respectively. At 140mg/l stages significant (P<0.001) on the stages of induction and recovery.
induction stages 1 and 2 were not observed and the time to achieved
Table 2 Water Quality Parameters in Experimental Tanks of African catfishes fingerlings exposed to clove powder for 30 mins

Conc. Parameter

Dissolved Oxygen Temperature Conductivity Alkalinity

(mg/l) pH Hardness (mg/lCaCO3)
(mg/l) (oC) (µS/cm) (mg/l)

0 4.74±0.27a 28.13±1.07a 6.78±0.28a 166.07±2.04a 37.41±0.45a 39.32±0.81a

60 4.29±0.23a 27.53±1.18a 6.64±0.29a 167.17±1.47a 37.91±0.49a 38.40±0.36a

70 4.37±0.35a 26.87±1.25a 6.83±0.27a 166.51±1.31a 38.18±1.96a 37.61±0.58a

80 4.48±0.12a 27.37±0.78a 6.79±0.41a 165.96±1.32a 40.76±2.69a 38.33±0.54a

100 4.38±0.36a 26.67±1.02a 6.79±0.16a 166.79±2.14a 36.75±0.85a 38.72±0.83a

120 4.38±0.38a 27.74±0.91a 6.72±0.19a 167.23±2.50a 38.67±1.05a 38.26±0.33a

140 4.12±0.12a 26.88±0.19a 6.77±0.22a 167.05±2.71a 38.51±0.47a 38.80±0.85a

Mean with the same superscript under the same parameter are not significantly different at p< 0.05
Table 3 The mean time (min.) of induction and recovery of C. gariepinus fingerlings from clove powder anaesthetic

Stages of induction(min) Stages of recovery(min)

Conc.
(mg/l)
I II III IV I II III

60 7.73±0.24b 14.73±0.47a 0.00± 0.00c 0.00± 0.00c 0.00±00a 0.00± 0.00a 0.00±0.00a

70 6.40±0.29c 9.13± 0.43b 12.07±0.41a 0.00± 0.00d 0.00±00a 0.00± 0.00a 0.00±0.00a

80 3.60±0.20d 5.73± 0.63c 8.53± 0.63b 11.20±0.72a 6.47± 0.18b 5.20± 0.73b 8.47± 3.74a

100 2.60±0.20d 4.33± 0.13c 5.73± 0.18b 7.00± 0.35a 8.33±0.24b 8.60± 0.35b 15.43±0.47a

120 1.00±0.00c 1.67± 0.07c 2.73± 0.24b 4.93± 0.13a 9.90± 0.21c 13.03±0.94b 17.87± .22a

140 0.00±0.00b 0.20± 0.11b 0.80± 0.12b 2.13± 0.67a 16.17±0.42c 19.46±1.18b 27.12±0.98a

Means with the same superscript under each of the concentration are not significant (P>0.05)
Table 4 The mean time(min) of induction and recovery of H. bidorsalis fingerlings from clove powder anaesthetic

Stages of induction (min) Stages of recovery (min)

Con
(mg/l)
I II III IV I II III

60 6.47±0.27c 10.88±0.27b 19.00±1.50a 0.00± 0.00d 0.00±0.00a 0.00± 0.00a 0.00± 0.00a

70 4.63±0.09c 7.73± 0.18b 10.00±0.12a 0.00± 0.00d 0.00±0.00a 0.00± 0.00a 0.00± 0.00a

80 3.20±0.12d 5.27± 0.13c 7.87± 0.13b 10.73±0.37a 4.47±0.18c 8.53± 0.18b 12.17±0.45a

100 1.20±0.12c 2.33± 0.24c 5.00± 0.20b 7.60± 0.23a 5.53±0.27c 10.60±0.35b 13.00±0.15a

120 0.00±0.00c 1.27± 0.07b 2.93± 0.07b 4.93± 0.47a 6.57±0.32c 13.80±0.31b 16.80±0.35a

140 0.00±0.00b 0.00± 0.00b 1.20± 0.12a 2.33± 0.07a 11.87±.24c 18.40±0.49b 25.20±0.93a

Means with the same superscript under each of the concentration are not significant(P>0.05)

Citation: Okey IB, Keremah RI, Gabriel UU. The efficacy of clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) powder as anaesthesia on African catfishes (Clarias gariepinus and
Heterobranchus bidorsalis) fingerlings. J Aquac Mar Biol. 2018;7(4):182‒188. DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2018.07.00206
The efficacy of clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) powder as anaesthesia on African catfishes (Clarias Copyright:
©2018 Okey et al. 185
gariepinus and Heterobranchus bidorsalis) fingerlings

The induction stages of the fingerlings at the various levels of equilibrium (recovery 3) in the both species was not significant
concentrations were not significant (P>0.05) except at 60 and 100mg/l (P>0.05) (Figure 1). The interaction of species and concentrations
where the time in C. gariepinus was higher (Table 5). The mean also had significant changes (P<0.01) on all the stages of induction
values of the various stages of induction and recovery showed that, and recovery except at induction stage 1 and recovery stage 3, which
stages 2, 4 (deep anaesthesia) and recovery stage 1 were significantly was not significantly ( P>0.05) different.
higher (P<0.05) in C. gariepinus. The mean time to regain complete

Table 5 Comparative mean values of various stages of induction and recovery of C. gariepinus and H. bidorsalis fingerlings on the various levels of clove powder

Stage of induction (min) Stage of recovery (min)

Conc.
(mg/l)
1 2 3 4 1 2 3

C.g H.b C.g H.b C.g H.b C.g H.b C.g H.b C.g H.b C.g H.b

7.73 6.47 14.73 10.88 0.00 19.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
60
±0.24a ±0.27a ±0.47a ±0.27b ±0.00b ±1.50a ±0.00a ±0.00a ±0.00a ±0.00a ±0.00a ±0.00a ±0.00a ±0.00a
6.40 4.63 9.13 7.73 12.07 10.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
70
±0.29a ±0.09a ±0.43a ±0.18b ±0.41a ±0.12a ±0.00a ±0.00a ±0.00a ±0.00a ±0.00a ±0.00a ±0.00a ±0.00a
3.60 3.20 5.73 5.27 8.53 7.87 11.20 10.73 6.47 4.47 4.20 8.53 8.47 12.17
80
±0.20a ±0.12a ±0.63a ±0.13a ±0.63a ±0.13a ±0.72a ±0.37a ±0.18a ±0.18a ±0.73b ±0.18a ±3.74b ±0.45a
2.60 1.20 4.33 2.33 5.73 5.00 7.00 7.60 8.33 5.53 8.60 10.60 15.43 13.00
100
±0.20a ±0.12a ±0.13a ±0.24b ±0.18a ±0.20a ±0.35a ±0.23a ±0.24a ±0.27b ±0.35b ±0.35a ±0.47a ±0.15b
1.00 0.00 1.67 1.27 2.73 2.93 4.93 4.93 9.90 6.57 13.03 13.80 17.87 16.80
120
±0.00a ±0.00a ±0.07a ±0.07a ±0.24a ±0.07a ±0.13a ±0.47a ±0.21a ±0.32b ±0.94a ±0.31a ±0.22a ±0.35a
0.00 0.00 0.20 0.00 0.80 1.20 2.13 2.33 16.17 11.87 19.46 18.40 27.12 25.20
140
±0.00a ±0.00a ±0.11a ±0.00a ±0.12b ±0.12a ±0.67a ±0.07a ±0.42a ±.24a ±1.18a ±0.49a ±0.98a ±0.93a
Means with the same superscript under each of the variables are not significant (P>0.05), C. gariepinus(C. g), H. bidorsalis(H.b)

Figure 1 Comparism of the various stages of induction and recovery time (min.) of C. gariepinus and H. bidosarlis fingerlings exposed to clove powder anaesthetic
for 30 min. Bars ±S.D Mean with different letters differs significantly (P <0.05;HSD).

Citation: Okey IB, Keremah RI, Gabriel UU. The efficacy of clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) powder as anaesthesia on African catfishes (Clarias gariepinus and
Heterobranchus bidorsalis) fingerlings. J Aquac Mar Biol. 2018;7(4):182‒188. DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2018.07.00206
The efficacy of clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) powder as anaesthesia on African catfishes (Clarias Copyright:
©2018 Okey et al. 186
gariepinus and Heterobranchus bidorsalis) fingerlings

Discussion O. tshawytscha,42 Piaractus brachipomus,29 Brycon amazonicus43

and S. salar44. However, in this study the effective concentration
The water quality parameter of the various test media did not vary that induced anaesthsia without mortality were within 80–140mg/l.
significantly (P<0.05) from those of the control. Since the parameters Although crude clove powder was used in this study, the effective
examined were within acceptable ranges for toxicity test24,27 they concentrations were within the recommended (25–120mg/l) for clove
may not have acted synergistically with the anaesthesia to affect the oil. Hikasa et al.38 recommended 25–100ppm clove oil as effective
behavior observed during the research. The result from this study anaesthesia for the common carp (C. carpio) and Small45 reported
compares favourably with those conducted to compare the efficacy 100mg/l clove oil as a safe concentration for anaesthesia of the
of commonly used anaesthetics on various fishes.28‒31 Hamackova channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), adding that exposures longer
et al.,32 and Sudagara et al.,16 previously reported the sedative, than 15 mins prolonged recovery time and may cause mortality.
anaesthesia and myorelant effect of clove active ingredient eugenol Walsh and Pease46 rec­ommended 60–80mg/l clove oil for anaesthesia
in various European and Asian fishes, therefore the anaesthetics of anguillid eels (Anguilla reinhardti) because it is effective, relatively
effect of this clove powder on African clariids in this study was not inexpensive, and poses little risk to human health. Adebayo et al.,13
unexpected. Eugenol (active ingredient of clove plant), have also reported that aqueous extracts of avocado pear leaf at concentrations
been reported to be extremely safer for human when consumed as within 130-190ml/l induced anaesthesia on C. gariepinus bloodstock,
food additive but which was toxic to some fish species in prolong with efficacy between 130 and 190ml/l, effective concentration of
exposure.33‒35 The current study to determine the anaesthetics efficacy 190ml/l and a recovery time of 12min.
of clove powder on the African catfishes fingerlings observed series
of behaviours manifested by the exposed fish to include, acceleration The time to recover from anaesthesia is dependent on concentration
of opercular movements, partial loss of reaction to external stimuli and induction time.38 The higher the concentration, the lower the time
and loss of equilibrium, which may be due to the anaesthetic effect of of induction (anaesthesia) and the longer the recovery time. Similar
clove powder on the central nervous system (CNS). Various workers observation was also recorded in this study. For instance, (less than
reported similar responses of fishes to anaesthetics such as Hajek et 9mins) and (more than 27mins) were required for fingerlings of the
al.,36 on common carp, Homackova et al.,32 on Tinca tinca, Sudagara clarrids to regain full recovery at 80mg/l and 140mg/l of clove powder
et al.,16 on Rutilus rutilus, Zaikov et al.,37 on pike and Okey et al.,21 respectively. The recovery time was shorter when lower concentrations
on African catfish hybrid. The progression through these various of the clove powder were used. These observations followed the
stages of anaesthasia was consistent with the descriptions by Keene same pattern as those described for clove oil by Hamackova et al.,32
et al.,14 Zaikov et al.,37 and Hikasa et al.,38 According to Summerfelt in tench (Tinca tinca), Velisek et al.,40 in common carp (C. carpio)
et al.,3 anaesthetic act on the Central nervous system (CNS) and and Okey et al.21 in Afircan catfish hybrid. When the concentration
induces calming effect, loss of equilibrium, mobility, consciousness of clove powder was increased, the time to loosing equilibrium, as
and finally loss of reflex action in an organism exposed to higher well as reaching stage 4 (complete immobilization) declines. Other
concentrations. Ross & Ross5 reported that anaesthesia is achieved by authors using clove oil anaesthesia on different fish species such as
placing the fish into an anaesthetic solution that is absorbed through Keene et al.,41 Hoskonen and Pirhonen,47 Zaikov et al.,37 established
the gills and enter the arterial blood to the central nervous system. similar inverse proportional dependencies between recovery time
Anaesthetics are needed for easy handling, sorting, measuring, and concentrations. However, the time to regain full recovery from
transporting and surgical procedures in aquaculture and fisheries anaesthesia induced by clove powder on the fingerlings varies with
to facilitate application procedure. Generally, an ideal anaesthetic the species. The fingerlings of C. gariepinus at 140mg/l achieved deep
ought to induce anesthesia quickly in less than 6min, permit a fast anaesthesia in 2.13min and recover at 27.12min whereas H. bidorsalis
recovery in 10min or less, not poisonous to fish and hazardous to had the same induction time (2.33min), but a lower recovery time of
human and be inexpensive.4 In this study, 80mg/l to 140mg/l were 25.20min. similar result was demonstrated by Soto and Burhanuddin48
required to induce deep anaesthesia (stage 4) in more than 2 mins. and Anderson et al.,49 who used clove oil (33-120mg/1) and reported
However, rapid anaesthesia (less than 4 and 3mins) was induced recovery time of 150sec for Siganus lineatus and 190 sec for rainbow
with higher concentrations 120 and 140 mg/l respectively. This is an trout respectively. Several studies involving the clarrids confirm the
indication that the time of induction (anaesthesia) is concentration above observation.13,50
dependent that is the higher the concentration the lower the time Studies involving other botanicals used as anaesthetics show that
to be completely immobilized and the higher the time of recovery. clariid had higher recovery time under clove powder anaesthesia
This trend may reflect the degree of the anaesthetic delivered to than others which according to Keene et al.41 is needed for prolong
the CNS, indicating that the higher the concentration, the faster the surgical manipulation of the fish. According to Adebayo et al.13, the
anaesthetic is absorbed and delivered to the CNS with duration of effective concentration of avocado pear leaf extracts that completely
exposure. Sudagara et al.,16 found that 225–350mg/l of clove powder anaesthetized C. gariepinus broodstooks was 190ml/l with a recovery
solution was required to completely immobilized (Stage 4) roach time of 12mins. Ayuba and Ofejukwu50 reported that C. gariepinus
Rutilus rutilus in less than (<4min) of exposure and Velisek et al.,10 fingerlings were anaesthetized in 10min and recovers within 2 min of
also reported the similar time with 80mg/l of clove oil on European immersion in freshwater after exposure to 2.0g/l of dried seed extract
catfish (Silurus glanis L) juveniles. Other workers who used clove oil of toloache plant, D. innoxia. The essential oil of L. alba was used at
at 80mg/l to achieved deep anaesthesia within the duration (<4mins) concentrations of 100 to 500mg/l to induce anaesthesia (Stage 4) in
described clove effective and safe.39,40 In this study induction time silver catfish in 3-6mins and recover within 6-12mins.51 Menthol, the
of less 4mins was recorded for the various clariids at concentrations main component of the essential oil of plants from genus Mentha, at
between 80–140 mg/l, meaning that clove powder is also effective concentrations of 100–200mg/l induced deep anaesthesia in tambaqui
and safe for the clarrids. Valuable induction time of 2-8mins were also after 1–2min and with recovery time of 5–12min.52 The recovery time
reported for various fish species in 30–80mg/l clove oil on O. mykiss41 recorded for clarrids in this study were slightly higher than those

Citation: Okey IB, Keremah RI, Gabriel UU. The efficacy of clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) powder as anaesthesia on African catfishes (Clarias gariepinus and
Heterobranchus bidorsalis) fingerlings. J Aquac Mar Biol. 2018;7(4):182‒188. DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2018.07.00206
The efficacy of clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) powder as anaesthesia on African catfishes (Clarias Copyright:
©2018 Okey et al. 187
gariepinus and Heterobranchus bidorsalis) fingerlings

recommended for some European and Asian fishes. This implies 11. Mgbenka BO, Ejiofor EN. Effect of extract of dried leaves of
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in black sea bass (Centropristis striata L.). Aquaculture Resources.
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between 3-10min. with a recovery time of between 8–27mins making
it an ideal anaesthetic for clariids. However, quick induction and a 15. Velisek J, Svobodova Z, Piackova V. Effects of 2-Phenoxyethanol
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Acknowledgements efficacy of Clove powder as an anaesthetic and its effect on hematological
parameters on Roach (Rutilus rutilus). Journal of Aquaculture feed
We express sincere thanks to the Head Department of Fisheries science and nutrition. 2009;1(1):1–5.
Aquatic Science, CRUTECH and staff of RSUST for providing
the necessary facilities, suggestions and guidance toward the 17. Chaieb K, Hajlaoui H, Zmantar T. The chemical composition and
accomplishment of this research. biological activity of Clove essential oil, Eugenia caryophyllata
(Syzigium aromaticum L. Myrtaceae): A short review. Phytother Res.
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Conflict of interest
18. Abiola B. Herbal help Clove. In Health and fitness. Indulge magazine.
The author declares that there is no conflict of interest. 2008; 59 p.

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Citation: Okey IB, Keremah RI, Gabriel UU. The efficacy of clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) powder as anaesthesia on African catfishes (Clarias gariepinus and
Heterobranchus bidorsalis) fingerlings. J Aquac Mar Biol. 2018;7(4):182‒188. DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2018.07.00206
The efficacy of clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) powder as anaesthesia on African catfishes (Clarias Copyright:
©2018 Okey et al. 188
gariepinus and Heterobranchus bidorsalis) fingerlings

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Citation: Okey IB, Keremah RI, Gabriel UU. The efficacy of clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) powder as anaesthesia on African catfishes (Clarias gariepinus and
Heterobranchus bidorsalis) fingerlings. J Aquac Mar Biol. 2018;7(4):182‒188. DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2018.07.00206