A critical review of surgery techniques for implanting telemetry devices into the body cavity of fish

Based on literature survey and personal experience, this paper presents a critical review of surgery procedures to implant telemetry devices (transmitters, transponders) into the body cavity of fish species. It debates on the relative adequacy of techniques which may compromise or enhance tagging success with respect to fish health and transmitter retention: anaesthesia, incision (position and length of incision), transmitter features (size and weight ratios, coating), ways of closing the incision (stitches, staples, adhesives), prophylaxy, pre- and postoperative care. Behavioural and physiological biases originating from tagging or internal presence of the transmitter are reviewed, evaluated and integrated to determine the actual duration of the post-operative perturbation and subsequent validation of telemetry data.