Has anyone experienced toxicity problems while marking otoliths with
alizarin complexone?

I recently immersed a batch of cichlid juveniles in an aerated freshwater
solution of 0.2 gram/L Alizarin complexone.  After 5 hours many of the fish
were swimming erratically, rolling over onto their backs, etc.  I performed
repeated water changes over a couple hours.  Most recovered witihin 24
hours, but I experienced ~10% mortality.

Any experienced Alizarin users with insights into what I may have done
wrong is encouraged to reply! (solution too strong? immersion time too
long?)

Note-Alizarin solution was made up fresh from a container of powder only 4
months old.  Water was fresh and aged to remove chlorine.

Thanks!


J. Jasper Lament
Department of Biology,
University of Miami,
Coral Gables, FL
33124-0421

Office Phone: (305) 284-4933
Fax: (305) 284-3039

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