Inducing relaxation in the queen conch Strombus gigas
Five potential relaxant chemicals were evaluated: 2-phenoxyethanol, menthol crystals, benzocaine, MS-222, and magnesium chloride to induce relaxation in the queen conch for cultured pearl production.
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Only 30 g L− 1 magnesium chloride induced adequate relaxation in S. gigas to attempt pearl seeding. Conch exposed to all other treatments, except 0.25 g L− 1 menthol, showed a strong ‘kicking’ (escape) reaction during the initial 2 min to 7 min of exposure. After such reaction, conch retracted into their shells and within the 30 min exposure period they showed no signs of relaxation.
Maybe they should have tried the classics?
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