Chemical Branding
(Silver Nitrate, Potassium Permanganate)Use of a silver nitrate pencil (type used for wart removal) to make marks of various configurations on the operculum or other exposed dermal region. Marks may be applied first by scraping away mucosal material and then mark location otherwise marks may need to be reapplied. Marks have been retained for one year in rainbow trout.
Advantages:
- Marking is inexpensive and does not require specialized equipment.
Disadvantages:
- Mark retention varies by species, mark location, and application method.
- Marks can deteriorate with scale regeneration.