Sodium Bicarbonate and Acetic Acid: An Effective Anaesthetic for Three Spotted Tilapia, Oreochromis andersonii Fingerlings

This study aimed to study the effectiveness of different concentrations of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) combined with acetic acid (vinegar) in three spotted tilapia (Oreochromis andersonii) fingerlings. Fingerlings (body weight 0.82 ± 0.00 g, and body length of 3.91 ± 0.03 cm) were subjected to three concentrations of sodium bicarbonate (30 g/L, 40 g/L and 60 g/L) combined with three concentrations of acetic acid (30 ml/L, 45 ml/L and 60 ml/L), each replicated five times to assess the anaesthesia induction and recovery time. Sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid induced anaesthesia in three spotted tilapia fingerlings regardless of the concentration used. However, high concentrations induced anaesthesia within a short period of time. Meanwhile, the full recovery time increased with concentration combinations. In essence, low concentrations of sodium bicarbonate and acetic could be recommended for anaesthetizing three spotted tilapia fingerlings. However, more studies on sodium bicarbonate and acetic acids as anaesthetics in aquaculture and fisheries is deemed necessary.