[5] However, among aquarists, its usefulness is debated on the basis of its efficacy and potential harm to anabantoid fish such as Betta splendens.
In an effort to improve animal welfare of studied fish, Rácz et al. refined a protocol for the tagging of zebrafish (an important model organism) which includes the use of Melafix as a post-procedure antiseptic.
[1] Another study the same year tested its efficacy against the common guppy parasite, Gyrodactylus turnbulli.
An in vitro experiment found that Melafix, as well as the cajeput oil and an emulsifier used in the product tested separately, were as effective against the parasite as the antihelminthic drug Levamisole.
An in vivo experiment found Melafix highly effective against the parasite when used in combination with another product from the company, Pimafix.