Western Chemical’s TRICAINE-S (MS-222, TMS, tricaine methanesulfonate) is an FDA approved fish anesthetic (FDA ANADA 200-226) used for the temporary immobilization of fish, amphibians, and other aquatic cold-blooded animals (poikilotherms). TRICAINE-S (MS-222) has long been recognized as a valuable tool for the proper handling of these animals during manual spawning (fish stripping), weighing, measuring, marking, surgical operations, transport, photography, and research.
TRICAINE-S (MS-222) is a fine crystalline powder fish anesthetic that is mixed with water prior to use. MS-222 is safe and effective for the anesthesia of fish when used as directed.
Western Chemical is the world's largest manufacturer of MS-222, with TRICAINE-S being produced in our FDA inspected Ferndale Washington USA manufacturing plant. TRICAINE-S (MS-222) received FDA approval in 1998 and has since become the best selling MS-222 fish anesthetic in North America. In Canada, it is sold under the name Aqua Life TMS exclusively through Syndel Laboratories. For international inquiries, please see our International Agents Page.
TRICAINE-S is currently the primary MS-222 which is being used in the large scale hatchery salmon tagging programs of the Pacific Northwest states of Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho. It is manufactured according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) which ensures the purity, strength, and quality of this brand of MS-222 fish anesthetic.
TRICAINE-S is the only FDA approved MS-222 which is packaged in FDA approved plastic containers. We do not use glass MS-222 bottles which can slip and break in wet environments. We regularly receive compliments on these bottles, and some facilities now mandate this packaging due to safety concerns related to the use of glass MS-222 bottles in wet environments. These bottles also have a wide opening lid which allows for easy access of measuring utensils.
TRICAINE-S (MS-222) is produced at our FDA inspected Ferndale Washington manufacturing facility and it is guaranteed to be a minimum of 99% pure for the full duration of its shelf life which is 3 years from the date of production.
Recently Western Chemical received FDA approval to offer TRICAINE-S (MS-222) in three new sizes. This MS-222 is now available in 1 gram, 5 gram, and 10 gram bottles as well as the previous 100 gram and 1 kg bottles. These new smaller sizes are ideal for individuals who only need small amounts of MS-222. These sizes are proving popular with fish veterinarians, fisheries biologists, and research scientists.
Do you have outdated MS-222 in storage? Would you like to start with a fresh supply? We can assist our customers with disposal of old MS-222, regardless of where it was purchased. Please call our office to discuss your situation.
Complete directions for use of TRICAINE-S (MS-222, TMS, tricaine methanesulfonate, fish anesthetic) can be found in the blue box at the top right of this page.