Methods to Induce Analgesia and Anesthesia in Crustaceans: A Supportive Decision Tool

Area of Science:

• * Marine Biology and Animal Welfare
• * Invertebrate Physiology and Pharmacology

Background:

• * Anesthesia and analgesia are crucial for humane crustacean research, handling, transport, and stunning.
• * Previous research has primarily focused on decapod crustaceans, leaving a gap in knowledge for other species.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To comprehensively review and evaluate anesthetic and analgesic methods for a wide range of crustacean species.
• * To provide a user-friendly online tool for selecting appropriate methods based on species and experimental conditions.
• * To offer recommendations on suitable and unsuitable anesthetic agents and techniques for crustaceans.

Main Methods:

• * A non-systematic literature search was conducted to identify existing methods for crustacean anesthesia and analgesia.
• * Data on drugs, non-chemical methods, species, life stages, environmental conditions, and administration details were compiled.
• * An interactive, web-based database (Datasette) was developed for data exploration and download.

Main Results:

• * The review covers anesthetic and analgesic methods used in 71 crustacean species, extending beyond decapods.
• * An online tool allows filtering and downloading data by various parameters, including method, agent, species, and environmental factors.
• * Several current techniques and chemicals were identified as unsuitable for crustacean anesthesia, with justifications provided.

Conclusions:

• * The study provides a valuable resource for researchers to select appropriate and humane methods for crustacean anesthesia and analgesia.
• * The online tool facilitates data-driven decision-making for optimizing crustacean welfare.
• * Evidence suggests crustaceans experience pain, necessitating humane treatment and the application of stress and pain management principles.