The toxic effect of Cymbush pesticide on growth and survival of African Catfish, <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> (Burchell)

Abstract

Toxicant effects of cymbush pesticide on growth, and survival levels of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings were studied. Results showed that mortality increased with increase in concentrations. The 96hLC50 was 4.17mgl-1 while the threshold value was 4.15mgl-1. In acute concentrations, there were dark patches on the exposed fish with slowing down of opercula beats. Also respiratory stress, erratic swimming and instant death of individuals were observed in exposed fish. In sub lethal tests, growth parameters such as specific growth rate, food conversion efficiency and protein efficiency ratio decreased as the concentrations of cymbush pesticides increased.


Key words: Toxicant effect, cymbush pesticide, survival, Clarias gariepinus.


Journal of Aquatic Sciences Vol.17(2) 2002: 81-84