Impact of the surgical implantation of acoustic transmitters on the condition and health of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca (L.))

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the impact the surgical implantation of acoustic transmitters (AT; implantation incisions were sutured with tissue adhesive) had on the condition and health of pikeperch, Sander lucioperca (L.), (initial body weight of approximately 600 g). After tagging, the fish were held for 42 days in recirculating aquaculture systems. During this period, no negative effects were observed stemming from the implantation of AT on fish growth, condition, survival, or foraging effectiveness. The procedure also did not have a negative impact on hematological indicators. Among the 13 biochemical blood plasma indicators analyzed, only glucose level in the fish tagged with AT was significantly lower than that in the control group (P≤0.05). The rate of wound healing and the condition of the implantation incisions raised no concerns. Three weeks following the AT implantation procedure the incisions were closed and no infection was noted. Short-term AT retention (42 days) was 83.3%, and the fish shed the tags in the first two weeks following implantation.