The use of three anaesthetics for handling spotted rose snapper Lutjanus guttatus (Pisces, Lutjanidae) broodstock

benzocaine, 2-phenoxyethanol and ms-222 were tested as anaesthetics for several handling procedures with spotted rose snapper lutjanus guttatus broodstock. significant differences in time for induction and recovery were found with specific doses, as well as a direct correlation between the dose and the induction time. each procedure demanded specific anaesthesia levels where the stage of deep anaesthesia should not be surpassed. the most effective agent for inducing deep anaesthesia was ms-222, with the least amount of time required for induction and recovery when using 100 mg l-1. it was followed by 250 μl l-1 of 2-phenoxyethanol, which was less costly.