About this Research Topic

Background

The field of aquatic animal anaesthesia is a critical area of study, with anaesthetics serving as physical or pharmacological agents that induce a state of unconsciousness in vertebrates. While the precise mechanism of action of various aquatic anaesthetics remains unclear, they are commonly used by researchers, biologists, aquaculturists, and veterinarians for a range of purposes, including transportation, tissue sampling, and clinical examination. However, the response of fish to different anaesthetics has been reported to vary, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of the optimal anesthetic concentration-response, the behavioural characterisation of induction and recovery stages, and potential side effects.

This research topic aims to consolidate the latest progress in the field of aquatic animal anaesthesia, focusing on current and emerging findings. The main objectives include understanding new mechanisms and approaches to advance our knowledge of the behavioural, welfare, and physiological effects of different anaesthetic agents. This will serve as a valuable resource for the community, aiding in the correct application of anaesthesia in aquaculture or fishery research.

The scope of this research is confined to the study of anaesthesia in aquatic animals. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- The optimal anesthetic concentration-response in different species of fish.
- Behavioural characterisation of the induction and recovery stages in aquatic animals.
- Potential side effects of various anaesthetics on aquatic animals.
- New mechanisms and approaches in the field of aquatic animal anaesthesia.
- The welfare and physiological effects of different anaesthetic agents on aquatic animals.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: anaesthesia, welfare, fish, toxicology, pharmacology

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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