 could reduce stress experienced by ornamental fish being transported.){kind=link}
The University of the West of Scotland has found that the cannabinoid CBD could help reduce the stress of transporting ornamental salmon.
The experiment was conducted with variable platyfish (variety platyfish) which are a common breed of aquarium fish. After being purchased from a wholesaler in the area, 200 of the fish arrived at the University of the West of Scotland. They quarantined them for two weeks before treating the fish with Protozin. The Protozin treatment is for common freshwater infections such as velvet and white spot.
When being subsequently transported, cannabidiol was added at nominal concentrations of 3.9, 7.8 or 15.6 mg/l, along with control and solvent control groups.
The researchers discovered that animals transported with CBD water showed a reduction in stressful behaviours like biting, running and swimming in a erratic manner. CBD may have a calming impact by moderating fear-related neural pathways. There was no negative effect on the protective mucus that coats fish skin.
The lowest concentration found to affect a range of behaviours was 7.8 mg/l.
The ornamental fish industry is huge – a multi-billion dollar affair that sees more than a billion fish transported annually.
This is a significant finding, as the stress that occurs during transportation can cause fish to lose their immune system and anxiety-induced behaviors can lead to physical injury. Both of these factors can impact the welfare of animals and vendors’ profits.
The study’s lead researcher, Katherine Sloman, said that improving the welfare of international fish transport is important both economically and ethically. We know from the ornamental trade that stress caused by transport can cause erratic and aggressive behavior, which could lead to anxiety levels or physical injury.
According to Professor Sloman, adding CBD to water conditioners for commercial use could help transform the industry while protecting the health of many fish.
Full study on effects of cannabidiol on ornamental fish behaviour. has been published The journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science published the study. Researchers point out that the researchers simulated transportation stress in this study only using movement on a cart; therefore, quite mild. However, higher vibration levels would be likely when transporting in a car.
The research has been funded by the University of the West of Scotland Waltham Petcare Science Institute, and Aquasense UK Ltd.