Avaliação da sobrevivência do peixe-palhaço Amphiprion biaculeatus (Bloch 1790) durante o transporte utilizando óleos essenciais

The clownfish (Amphiprion biaculeatus) is valued in the aquarium trade for its appearance and behavior, but transporting this species often results in stress and high mortality. This study investigated the use of Melaleuca alternifolia and Mentha piperita essential oils as calming agents during transport, analyzing their effects on fish survival and water quality. Juvenile clownfish (0.213 g and 2.36 cm) were divided into three groups: control (no oil), Mentha piperita (20 µL/L) and Melaleuca alternifolia (500 µL/L). The fish were transported for 96 h in plastic containers with seawater and oxygen, and water quality variables, such as dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrite and pH, were monitored only before and after transport. The control group showed the highest survival rate (86.67%), while the group with Mentha piperita obtained 80% and the group with Melaleuca alternifolia only 16.67%, suggesting toxicity of the latter oil over long periods. Treatments with oils significantly reduced dissolved oxygen, especially Melaleuca alternifolia, which may have contributed to the high mortality. In addition, ammonia and nitrite levels increased in the treated groups, further compromising water quality. In conclusion, transport without additives was less detrimental, although Mentha piperita showed potential to reduce stress under appropriate conditions, while Melaleuca alternifolia demonstrated toxicity at high concentrations. These results reinforce the need for further studies to optimize the use of essential oils in fish transport