ABSTRACT:
The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the citral chemotype of Lippia alba essential oil (EOLA) as an additive in a simulated transport with different loading densities of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) juveniles. Simulated transport of tambaqui juveniles at three loading densities (30, 60 and 90 fish/L) was carried out either with only water (WC) or 20 μL.L-1 EOLA. Dissolved oxygen levels, pH, conductivity and temperature of the water were measured at the beginning and end of the simulated transport. Treatment with EOLA did not change survival or dissolved oxygen levels at the end of simulation. The pH of the water at the end of simulation with EOLA was lower than in that of WC but did not change with loading density. Water conductivity increased with loading density; however, it was lower in the groups with EOLA. The addition of EOLA can be useful in long-term transportation at high loading densities, but further studies related to tambaqui physiology are required.
Key word:
fish transportation; additive; water quality; Lippia alba; oxygen; conductivity.