Submitted to: Aquaculture Magazine
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: May 15, 1998
Publication Date: N/A
Technical Abstract: This article is a review of the literature that pertains to the therapeutic use of hydrogen peroxide in fish production.Hydrogen peroxide was first (1922) effectively used on external protozoan and monogenetic parasites of fish.Subsequent studies showed that effective dosages against these external parasites varied greatly and many were toxic to the fish.Since 1990 it has primarily been used against Lepeophtheirus salmonis (salmon lice) and fungus on fish and fish eggs.Hydrogen peroxide effectiveness against the salmon lice is limited but it shows promise against fungus, particularly fungus on fish eggs.Treatment levels of 50 to 250 ppm for exposures up to 60 minutes are effective against the fungus and usually nontoxic to fish eggs.Some studies have also shown it to be effective against bacterial gill disease of salmonids at rates of 50 and 100 ppm for 30 or 60 minutes.Toxicity of hydrogen peroxide to various cultured fish species is also given in this review.Walleye are most sensitive (178 ppm is the lethal concentration that kills 50 percent of the fish) and channel catfish are the least sensitive (2010 ppm).Increasing temperature greatly increases the toxicity of the chemical to fish.