However, results of several
studies suggest that the physiology of fish can be
affected by changes in the haematology and biochemistry
of exposed fish. Therefore, it is important to
assess the extent of physiological changes in fish
exposed to an anaesthetic (Park et al. 2008; Carter
et al. 2011). In addition, water quality and biological
factors, such as species, length and weight, sex, time of
year, condition, disease and stress, can alter and/or
amplify physiological responses (e.g. cortisol production) to anaesthetics and the handling or
surgical procedure (Carter et al. 2011).