Potential of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> (Lam.) fresh root-bark extract as an organic piscicide in aquaculture pond management

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of Moringa oleifera fresh root-bark extract as an organic piscicide to control predatory fish in ponds. Acute-lethal toxicity (LC₅₀) of Moringa oleifera extract for 96-h exposure for Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings was determined at 26.45 mg l^-1. The extract was more toxic on at higher concentrations of 100 mg l^-1, with fingerlings showing abnormal swimming, restlessness and uncoordinated behaviour before death. Moringa oleifera extract could be used as an organic piscicide in aquaculture pond management. Baseline information on its toxicity to fish could serve as a tool in fisheries management to wipe out predatory fish in ponds prior to stocking.

Keywords: Toxicity, Oreochromis niloticus, Fisheries management, LC₅₀