Article Summary
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has introduced the Fish Anaesthetic Delivery System, a pioneering recirculating anaesthesia technology believed to be the first of its kind in Malaysia. Developed through more than 15 years of research, the innovation enables fish surgeries to be performed safely outside water by continuously supplying oxygenated water mixed with anaesthetic agents. According to Dr. Mohd Fuad Matori, the system improves the safety and efficiency of surgical procedures and is now used for both research and the treatment of high-value ornamental fish. The development is expected to strengthen fish health management, aquaculture, food security and the long-term sustainability of the national fisheries industry.

By: Zarith Sofea Ibrahim
Photos by: Muhammad Syuqqree Mohd Dain

SERDANG, 8 May – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has achieved another milestone in aquatic veterinary medicine with the introduction of a fish surgery method based on a recirculating anaesthesia system, believed to be the first of its kind developed in Malaysia.

The Fish Anaesthetic Delivery System is poised to enhance aquatic animal healthcare by enabling new possibilities in aquatic animal treatment while bolstering national capabilities in fish health, aquaculture and food security.

Veterinary Officer at the Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FPV), UPM, Dr. Mohd Fuad Matori, said the system is the result of more than 15 years of dedicated research aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of fish surgical procedures through a more systematic approach.

“This method uses a mechanism that supplies oxygenated water mixed with anaesthetic agents directly to the fish’s respiratory system throughout the procedure.

“It enables surgery to be carried out outside water without disrupting the fish’s oxygen supply,” he said.

According to him, a laparotomy procedure, involving surgical opening of the abdominal cavity, was demonstrated on tilapia as a research model. The procedure comprised several key stages, including anaesthesia induction, incision, suturing and post-surgical treatment.

He said the entire procedure takes between 20 and 30 minutes, after which the fish is transferred to a specialised recovery tank.

“After surgery, the fish will be monitored in a dedicated tank for 10 to 14 days before the sutures are removed, while full recovery may take up to 30 days,” he said.

He added that the application of antiseptics and antibiotics throughout the procedure helps minimise the risk of infection, while biopsy samples are collected for microscopic analysis and further investigation.

The technique is now being used not only in research but also in the treatment of high-value ornamental fish such as koi, goldfish and arowana, including for tumour removal and physical reconstruction procedures.

The development is expected to add value to the country’s growing aquaculture industry, particularly in treatment, breeding and aquatic animal health management.

Dr. Mohd Fuad added that developing expertise in fish health is crucial, as the aquaculture sector is closely linked to national food security and the fisheries industry.

“We must be equipped with sufficient expertise and technology to face future challenges, especially in ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of the national fisheries industry,” he said.

The innovation underscores UPM’s commitment to strengthening high-impact research that contributes not only to the advancement of veterinary science but also delivers direct benefits to industry and society.

Date of Input: 08/05/2026 | Updated: 15/06/2026 | zarithsofea