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Auxiliary Application of Carbon Dioxide and Carbonic Acid in Live Fish Transport

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Carbon dioxide-assisted live fish transport is a new technique that keeps live fish in a sleep-like state for extended periods to reduce transport costs. When using carbon dioxide to assist in transporting adult carp, the adult carp must be alternately perfused with carbon dioxide gas at a high partial pressure (27-33KPa) and a low partial pressure (13-17KPa); the transport time can be maintained for about 10 hours, with a very low mortality rate. A mixed gas of carbon dioxide and oxygen (50:50) can also assist in transporting live fish. In this case, gas can be directly injected into the water containing crucian carp and

Carbon dioxide-assisted live fish transport is a new technique that keeps live fish in a sleep-like state for extended periods to reduce transport costs. When using carbon dioxide to assist in transporting adult carp, the adult carp must be alternately perfused with carbon dioxide gas at a high partial pressure (27-33KPa) and a low partial pressure (13-17KPa); the transport time can be maintained for about 10 hours, with a very low mortality rate. A mixed gas of carbon dioxide and oxygen (50:50) can also assist in transporting live fish. In this case, gas can be directly injected into the water containing crucian carp and carp, causing the fish to gradually become sluggish in their behavior in the water. After about 25 minutes, the fish sink to the bottom and "sleep." At this point, the fish can be removed from the water and placed in plastic bags, boxes, or cases for transport, and the duration can exceed 30 hours. When the fish arrive at the destination, they are placed back into water and oxygen is bubbled in; after 5 minutes, they revive. When carbonic acid is used for live fish transport, a sodium bicarbonate solution at a concentration of 6.75% (G/V) (referred to as Solution A) and a sulfuric acid solution at a concentration of 3.95% (G/V) (referred to as Solution B) must be prepared in advance for later use. When in use, the amounts of equal parts of Solution A and Solution B are calculated according to the following formula:

Amount of Solution A or Solution B (milliliters) = drug concentration * total volume of water in liters / 50.

After carbonic acid treatment, the fish lose their balance, lie on their side or back, have a slowed respiratory rate, and move sluggishly.

The suitable dosage of this drug for fish transport is 150-600PPm, and the optimal dosage is 500PPm. At a water temperature of 22°C, the survival time of the fish is 6-13 hours. When used for transporting carp fingerlings, the survival time can reach 25 hours. When used for transporting freshwater white pomfret fry, the survival time can reach 21 hours (10% mortality rate).

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