A new method for venom extraction from venomous fish, Green Scat

Scatophagus argus argus (Green Scat) is a pretty aquarium fish. Its hard spines are venomous and can cause painful injury. In this study ۶۰ specimens of Green Scat were collected periodically from coastal waters of Boushehr (south of Iran) from May ۲۰۱۱ to April ۲۰۱۲. Anatomical features of venomous spines were investigated. Scat venom was extracted from the spines in a new manner for keeping the specimens alive. The nature of venom was tested by SDS-PAGE. Ethical issues and animal welfare principles such as rapid and instantaneous anesthetizing, post operation disinfection and fast recovery of the specimens was practiced in order to minimize the complications. This method enhanced the purity and quantity of venom as demonstrated by ۱۲ separated proteins in electrophoresis. New ethical issues were developed to surviving the specimens and prolong viability as well.

Keywords:

Scatophagus argus argus , Venomous spine , Venom extraction , Viability , Ethical issues , Boushehr