Low dosage of magnesium sulphate as a long-term sedative during transport of firefly squid, Watasenia scintillans

Long-term sedation tests (>3 days, continuous) were conducted with millimolar quantities of magnesium sulphate to enhance the condition and survival of firefly squid, Watasenia scintillans, during commercial transportation. A concentration of 20 mmol l(-1) produced the best result. After more than 80 h under constant sedation, the animals revived within minutes of being transferred to fresh seawater and were apparently unharmed. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.