Back to Journal

International Journal of Fisheries Science and Research

Sodium Arsenite-induced Morphological, Behavioral, Hematological and Histopathological abnormalities in Labeo Rohita

Abstract Citation Introduction Objectives Methodology Results and Discussion Conclusion References
Details

Received: 19-May-2018

Accepted: 15-Jun-2018

Published: 22-Jun-2018

Rajib Biswas1* and Soumitra Nath2

  1Department of Zoology, Dharmanagar Govt Degree College, India 2Department of Biotechnology, Gurucharan College, India

Corresponding Author:

Rajib Biswas, Department of Zoology, Dharmanagar Govt Degree College, Nayapara Kalibari Road, Dharmanagar, Tripura, India, Tel: 08787689866                             

Keywords

Sodium arsenite; Labeo rohita; Hematological; Morphological; Anemic

Abstract

Toxic metals have contaminated the aquatic ecosystems to a large scale, and they eventually enter human systems by contaminated air, food, water and soil. Recently, arsenic toxicity has become an alarming concern around the globe. Major areas of North-Eastern states of India have been demarcated with an arsenic content of 50-1000 µg/l in drinking water sources and aquatic ecosystems. Arsenic range in Barak Valley is many folds higher than the permissible limit of WHO and BIS as 10µg/l and 50µg/l respectively, which is present in the form of Sodium Arsenite in water. Fishes are the major dwellers of aquatic ecosystem and serves as good bio-indicators for determination of health status of an aquatic ecosystem. They also form the staple diet of North Eastern people. Labeo rohita is one of the most commonly available and consumed in large scale. The present study was carried out in Labeo rohita in vivo. Labeo rohita (n=10) of similar size and weight were exposed to sodium aresnite at concentrations 100 µg/l and 250 µg/l along with controlled set up for 10 days. The morphological, behavioral, hematological and histopathological changes were evaluated. Fishes exposed to Sodium arsenite showed irregular ocular movement, fin movement, swimming pattern and loss in scales with higher prominence in 250 µg/l of arsenic group than those at 100 µg/l. The hematological indices revealed decrease in RBC count and increase in WBC count in both sodium arsenite exposed groups. The histopathological study of liver revealed parenchymal disorganization and atypical residual body in both sodium arsenite treated groups. Results obtained showed major damages to fishes due to contamination with sodium arsenite. These fishes, when consumed by humans, leads to increase in several thousand folds of sodium arsenite by means of biomagnification. High exposure of arsenic in human through fishes leads to several disorders. The possible way of eradicating sodium arsenite entry into humans is banning fishing activities in highly contaminated aquatic ecosystems. Community education and local participation are also essential to get a fruitful outcome.

Citation

Biswas R and Nath S. Sodium Arsenite-induced Morphological, Behavioral, Hematological and Histopathological abnormalities in Labeo Rohita. Int J Fisheries Sci Res. 2018; 2(1): 1007.

Introduction

Arsenic (As) is a metalloid, found in abundant all over the earth’s crust usually in combination with sulfur and metals, but also available as a pure crystal. It is a water contaminant which causes an array of serious adverse health effects; also have the potential of causing cancer upon long-term exposure [1]. Exposure to sufficiently high concentrations of inorganic As in natural environments such as in water, sediment and soil has proved to be harmful to the organisms [2,3]. The main pathways of exposure to the human beings include ingestion of drinking water and consumption of foods and to a lesser extent, inhalation of air. In view of the global health problems associated in drinking water and its impacts on the society, it is important to prevent the bioavailability of As in humans. Studies have revealed that drinking water sources in many regions have been contaminated with sodium arsenite. It has been also established that Bangladesh, North-east India and adjoining parts have high sodium arsenite contamination.

Due to various anthropogenic activities like industrial wastes, agricultural activities, coal and oil exploitation besides combustion and mining of metal ores etc., releases Arsenic (As) into environment. As a result of all these naturally occurring As and human induced As concentration in ground water system have greatly exceeded the safe As value of 10µg /L as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) [4]. Human exposure to As occurs through various sources such as water, food, soil and air but the easiest form of exposure is through drinking water. However it has been found that the As is present in inorganic form in drinking water sources and that form is highly toxic as compared to that from food or other sources. Inorganic As is present in two major oxidation states: trivalent form, arsenite (As3+) and pentavalent form, arsenate (As5+). Among the inorganic arsenic compounds, arsenic trioxide (As2 O3 ), sodium arsenite (NaAsO2 ) etc are the most common trivalent compounds and sodium arsenate (Na2 HAsO4 ), lead arsenate (PbHAsO4 ) and calcium arsenate (As2 Ca3 O8 ) are most common pentavalent forms of As. And it has been found that the trivalent form is more toxic than the pentavalent form.

Entry into human system

Aquatic habitats are the final sink for many chemicals and water can serve as the vehicle for exposure to many toxic agents [5]. The semimetal arsenic (As) is one of the most hazardous substances released in the aquatic environment as a result of geogenic and anthropogenic processes [6]. Inorganic and organic forms of As, are present in the environment and the former seems to be more toxic and more accumulated in some freshwater aquatic species than the latter. Fishes may be particularly vulnerable to aquatic arsenic as they take it up continuously through the gill respiration and ingestion of contaminated food [7].

Arsenic concentration of aquatic ecosystems of Barak Valley ranges from 10 µg/l to 1000 µg/l. In many areas the concentration is many folds higher than the permissible limit set by WHO and BIS as 10µg/l and 50µg/l respectively. Fish have long been used as sentinels for bio-monitoring of aquatic environmental pollutants and are good indicators of As toxicity [8]. As-contaminated fish consumption results in As exposure to humans and lead to adverse health effects [9]. Arsenic is absorbed into the blood stream at cellular level and is taken up by RBCs, WBCs and other cells that reduce arsenate to arsenite [10]. Fishes accounts forhalf of world’s total vertebrates and are also important bio-indicators of pollution.

They can adapt to unhealthy environmental conditions by fluctuating their RBCs, WBCs and Hemoglobin content. This changes help to determine the quality of water bodies. Analysis of biochemistry, hematology and histopathology of organs is used to determine healh of the water body.

Objectives

• To determine the morphological changes induced by Sodium arsenite in Labeo rohita

• To determine the hematological and histopathological abnormalities in Labeo rohita induced by Sodium arsenite at high and very high dose.

Methodology

Fishes of equal size and weight (juveniles) were collected from local fishery which was free from Arsenic contamination. Equal number of fishes (n=10) were introduced in three similar containers (one each for control, low dose and high dose) and left overnight. After 24 hours post set-up, Sodium Arsenite was introduced at 100µg/l for low dose and 250µg/l for high dose respectively. The fishes were exposed for 10 days and their morphological and behavioral changes were recorded daily. Post 10 days of exposure they were sacrificed and their hematological tests were performed. Their livers were stored in 70% formaldehyde solution followed by preparation and examination of histological slides. The methodology adapted for the same is discussed below:-

Effect of sodium arsenite on fish growth, morphology and behavior

The swimming pattern, ocular response, fin movement, response to sound and touch and scale texture were observed and recorded daily.

Enumeration of RBC and WBC by haemocytometer

Blood is obtained from the tail region of fish by making a small cut with the help of sterilized blade. The cut is not made deep or with pressure to avoid ejaculation of other body fluids.

The RBC pipette is previously sterilized with spirit and dried. Blood is sucked upto 0.5 mark with utmost care to avoid bubbles. The extra blood is drained out by placing the tip of pipette on the pal of hand to avoid entry of air. Hayem’s solution was sucked in the pipette till it reaches the 101 mark. Blood and Hayem’s solution are mixed thoroughly and this leads to the dilution of blood 200 times. The mixture is now transferred to Neubauer’s chamber and covered with cover slip which is supported by the platform and stands separated from the central platform of the slide. The slide is kept undisturbed for a minute or two to allow the RBC’s to settle down. The protocol followed is as per [11].

For RBC counting:

Number of RBCs per cubic= (Number of cells counted X dilution X 1000)/(Number of small square area counted

For WBC counting:

Number of WBCs per cubic mm = (Number of cells counted X dilution X 10)/(Number of 1 mm square counted)

Enumeration of hemoglobin content by hematocrit

Obtained blood were mixed with anticoagulant and sucked into the capillary tube up to 2/3 or 3/4 level of the tube. The blood is than diluted with drop wise addition of distilled water till the color of the tube is exactly same as the reference tube on each side of the tube (Figure 1 and Table 1).

Figure 1: Photomicrographs of Histopathological slides of liver of treated groups at 10X, 40X & 100X.

a-c: control, d-f: parenchymal disorganization, g: major parenchymal disorganization, h-i: atypical residual bodies & hepatocyte hypertrophy.

Table 1: Effect of sodium arsenite at different concentrations on total Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells and Haemoglobin count in Labeo rohita.

  RBC count WBC count Haemoglobin
(*106mm-3) (*103mm-3) content
Control 3.5 ± 0.45 4.89 ± 0.5 9.5 ± 0.75
100 µg/l 2.81 ± 0.57 6.5 ± 0.65 7.23 ± 0.5
250 µg/l 2.29 ± 0.36 7.2 ± 0.45 6.55 ± 0.70

Results and Discussion

Fishes exposed to Sodium arsenite showed irregular ocular movement, fin movement, swimming pattern and loss in scales with higher prominence in 250 µg/l of arsenic group than those at 100 µg/l. The hematological indices revealed decrease in RBC count and increase in WBC count in both sodium arsenite exposed groups with maximum deviation in high dosage group. The Hemoglobin level revealed the anemic nature of sodium arsenite treated fishes. The histopathological study of liver showcased parenchymal disorganization, atypical residual body and hepatocyte hypertrophy in both the sodium arsenite treated groups with prominent damages in high dosage group.

Conclusion

These effected fishes when consumed by human’s leads to increase in several thousand folds of sodium arsenite by means of biomagnifications. These modes of high exposure of arsenic in human through contaminated fishes lead to several disorders. The possible way of eradicating sodium arsenite entry into human systems is by banning fishing activities in highly contaminated aquatic ecosystems. Community education and local participation are equally essential to get a fruitful outcome in the reduction of sodium arsenite exposure to humans through contaminated fishes from sodium arsenite polluted water bodies.

References

1. Das S, Upadhaya P, Giri S. Arsenic and smokeless tobacco induce genotoxicity, sperm abnormality as well as oxidative stress in mice in vivo. Genes and Environment. 2016; 38: 4.

2. Davey JC, Nomikos AP, Wungjiranirun M, Sherman JR, Ingram L, Batki C, et al. Arsenic as an Endocrine Receptor: Arsenic Disrupts Retinoic Acid Receptor and Thyroid Hormone Receptor mediated Gene Regulation and Thyroid Hormone- mediated Amphibian Tai l metamorphosis. Environ Health Perspect. 2008; 116: 165-172.

3. Jiangang B, Hansheng L. Research advances in arsenic trioxide oncostatic. Chin Pharm Aff. 2008; 22: 1105-1107.

4. WHO. Arsenic Compounds, Environmental Health Criteria. 224, 2nd ed., World Health Organization, Geneva, 2001.

5. Datta S, Ghosh D, Saha DR, Bhattacharaya S, Mazumder S. Chronic exposure to low concentration of arsenic is immunotoxic to fish: Role of head kidney macrophages as biomarkers of arsenic toxicity to Clarias batrachus. Aquatic Toxicol. 2009; 92: 86-94.

6. ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Arsenic. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. SUDHHS, PHS,Washington, DC. 2002.

7. Bears H, Richards JG, Schulte PM. Arsenic exposure alters hepatic arsenic species composition and stress-mediated gene expression in the common killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus). Aquat Toxicol. 2006; 77: 257-266.

8. Tisler T, Zagorc-Koncan J. Acute and chronic toxicity of arsenic to some aquatic organisms. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2002; 69: 421-429.

9. Kar S, Maity JP, Jean JS, Liu CC, Liu CW, Bundschuh J, et al. Health risks for human intake of aquacultural fish: arsenic bioaccumulation and contamination. J Env Sci Heal A. 2011; 46: 1266-1273.

10. Jonnalagadda SB, Rao PP. Toxicity, bioavailability and metal speciation. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Endocrinology. 1993; 106: 585-595.

11. Nath S. Effect of Paper Mill Effluents on Morphological and Hematological Indices of Amblyceps mangois. J of Fisheries and Aquatic Science. 2016; 11: 225-231.

Other Articles

Article Image 1

Massive Chinese Fleet Jeopardizes Threatened Shark Species around the Galápagos Marine Reserve and Waters off Ecuador: Implications for National and International Fisheries Policy

Being a UNESCO-World Heritage Site, the Galápagos harbors the largest global shark biomass in the world’s oceans and a unique marine biodiversity.

Alava JJ1,2*, Barragán-Paladines MJ3, Denkinger J4, Muñoz-Abril L4, Jiménez PJ2, Paladines F5, Valle CA4, Tirapé A6, Gaibor N7, Calle M6, Calle P6, Reyes H8, Espinoza E8 and Grove JS9


Article Image 1

The Relationship between Behavior Responses and Brain Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) Activity of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) in Cadmium Stress

In this research, the toxic effects of Cadmium chloride (CdCl2 ), which can seriously pollute aquatic environment and threaten human health, are evaluated based on the behavior responses and the brain Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of zebrafish (Danio rerio). The results showed that Behavior Strength (BS) of test groups (changed from 0.15 to 0.65), which was recorded using an online behavior monitoring system, was lower than the control groups (changed from 0.65 to 0.85). The behavior responses of zebrafish suggested that both dose and time effect relationships existed between Cd2+ stress and zebrafish BS. Meanwhile, the brain Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of zebrafish were strongly inhibited by Cd2+: the AChE activities were lower than 60% after 0.5h Cd2+ exposure in both 1 TU (Toxic Unit) and 2 TU. The AChE activities in 0.1 TU Cd2+ treatment were about 60% in the first 2h and then increased to about 100% in 4h with a decrease tendency in the following exposure time (8h to 48h), which changed from 100% to 70%-80%. Totally, the brain AChE activities of zebrafish showed similar rules with BS after correlation analysis, which might provide an understanding of the ecotoxicological assessment of heavy metal Cd based on zebrafish.

Meiyi Yang1,2#, Lizhen Ji1,2#, Xu Zhang2, Yuqi Fan1,2* and Zongming Ren1,2*


Article Image 1

Neritic Larval Fish Distribution in the Oceanic Area of the Campeche Bay, Gulf of Mexico

Composition and abundance of larval fishes in Campeche Bay were studied during two seasons, winter, 2013 (24 stations) and summer, 2014 (31 stations). Sampling was carried out with open-close nets, mouth 75 cm and 505 µm mesh. The data of salinity and temperature allowed distinguishing three oceanic sub-regions: North, East, and West. There were 236 taxa, belonging to 74 families, 168 species, 154 taxa occurred in winter and 171 in summer; the composition in both cruises was similar with around 70 % of oceanic and 30 % of neritic larvae. The larval density was almost three times larger in summer than winter. The Campeche Bay hydrodynamics fits well with the results; the West sub-region is located where a cyclonic gyre takes place, the North and East sub regions are located in the area of influence of warm currents over the Yucatan shelf. The hydrodynamics also allows understanding the differences in the proportion of neritic larvae among the three oceanic sub-regions, the West and East with the lower and higher number of neritic larvae, respectively. The large difference among regions is related to some neritic taxa occurring exclusively in some of them. Of the total taxa, 55 neritic occurred only once and it means that more than a half of neritic taxa were represented by one organism, 31 from 85 neritic taxa occurred in the layers of 600 to 1000 m depth. Of the neritic larvae, only Syacium papillosum and Apogon sp. appear among the 20 more abundant.

Flores-Coto C*, Zavala-García F and Sanvicente-Añorve L


Article Image 1

Effect of Photoperiod on Eggs Hatchability, Growth and Survivability of Hybrid Catfish (Heterobranchus bidorsalis X Clarias gariepinus) Larvae

This study was conducted to determine the effects of photoperiod on egg hatchability, growth and survivability of hybrid catfish (Heterobranchus bidorsalis X Clarias gariepinus) larvae, using hormone-induced spawning method. Eggs were stripped from two sexually matured and healthy female Clarias gariepinus of average weight of 1kg/each and fertilized with milt from two sexually matured male Heterobranchus bidorsalis of average weight of 2kg/each. An average of five hundred (500) eggs were introduced into each ten aquaria tanks of size 70cm x 45cm x 40cm/tank, using a pre- determined spoonful estimation at five photoperiod regimes: (T1) 24L:00D (Light:Darkness); (T2) 18L:6D; (T3) 12L:12D; (T4) 6L:18D and (T5) 00L:24D in two replicates. Aquaria tanks were arranged in a flow- through system at a flow rate of 1.5L/min with aerators to maintain good water condition. Provision of light during the night for illumination of the aquaria tanks was kept constant at 1200 1x, using solar panel (Mono)/inverter (Microtex) light energy. Growth and survivability of the fish larvae were monitored for six weeks. They were fed with laboratory-cultured live feed (Daphnia) to achieve maximum feed utilization. Percentage hatchability of eggs and best growth performance of fish larvae were significantly (p<0.05) highest (92.5%, 91.2 ± 0.21mg) respectively in T5 (00L:24D), while percentage survivability of hatchlings was significantly (p<0.05) highest (94.4%) in T3 (12L:12D). It was observed in this study that the highest hatchability of eggs and optimum growth performance of hatchlings were under complete darkness, with reduced survivability of fish, as a result of observed cannibalism. The fish were photophobic. To achieve a balance result in terms of hatchability of eggs, growth and survivability of fish fry, it is suggested that incubation and hatching of eggs should be done under complete darkness, while rearing of fry should be under equal light and darkness exposure.

Adebayo IA*


Article Image 1

Empirical Assessment of Fish Diversity of Uttar Pradesh, India: Current Status, Implications and Strategies for Management

About 60-70% of world’s biological resourcesis contributed by India, of which fish represents 80% of the global fishes. Uttar Pradesh blessed with vivid aquatic bioresources in innumerable forms contributes about 14.68% of Indian fish biodiversity with substantial scope of inland fisheries development and aquaculture. Ganga, the mighty river of this state reportsabout 265 freshwater species from its river system [1]. Besides, other rivers viz. Ramganga, Gomti, Ghaghara, Yamuna, Gandak, Kosi and Damodaract as reservoir of different f ish stocks. In past, no study highlights the assessment of the fish biodiversity of this state in holistic way except by Khan (2000) who justreported a compilation of 129 fishes under 27 families [2]. To substantiate and revise the assessment, the fish diversity of this state was assessed by investigating these rivers, analyzing and documenting the information on different fisheries measurements including biology, distribution and conservation status. About 10,000 individuals were collected and the analysis of individuals revealed 126 fish species under 28 families and 74 genera nearly mitigating the earlier reports. The highest species diversity was recorded in the river Ganga (90) followed by Gerua (87) and then Gomati (68). 37 species were found common in Gomati, Ghaghara, Ganges, Son, Tons and Yamuna. Out of 90 species, 6 species were recorded from the river Ganga. In addition, the new distribution of a threatened torrent catfish Amblyceps mango is was recorded from the rivers Gomati, Ganga and Ramganga. The economical assessment unravels nearly 33% as ornamental, 87% as food and 10% as sport fishes.

Pathak AK*


Article Image 1

Stranding of Small Cetaceans with Missing Fins Raises Concerns on Cetacean Conservation in Ecuador: Bycatch or Targeted Fisheries?

Among anthropogenic threats to marine mammals, bycatch is one of the major and increasing concerns. This report describes three species of small cetaceans, including a short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), and two dwarf sperm whales (Kogia sima), which were found stranded with pectoral fins, dorsal fins and caudal fin removed. The dolphins were found at the beaches of San José de Las Nuñez and San Pablo, respectively (Santa Elena Peninsula Province on 14 August 2017), while the dwarf sperm whales were found in Puerto Lopéz and Crucita (Manabí Province) in July 2014 and August 2015, respectively. Possible explanation for the dolphins and dwarf sperm whales missing fins support the event as a possible case of fishery interaction or bycatch with systematic removal of their fins. Although remnants of artisanal gillnets were not found near the two dolphin species, one of the dwarf sperm whales showed marks of artisanal gillnets on the body as evidence of bycatch. Trade of dolphin carcasses and their parts for bait by fishers cannot be ruled out as there is some evidence of this practice in the past. Both dolphins species are vulnerable species at the national level and commonly involved in incidental captures with gillnets of artisanal fisheries in Coastal Ecuador. Cetacean bycatch is a grave conservation problem affecting several cetacean species in Ecuador’s waters. Fisheries and environmental authorities must be vigilant and enforce actions to proactively mitigate possible anthropogenic impacts and promote environmental education activities in fishing communities to conserve vulnerable dolphin species in Ecuador’s waters. Further, to comply with new rules and regulations of the US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) intended to reduce the bycatch of marine mammals in foreign commercial fishing operations that export fish and fish products to the United States, a regulatory program is urgently needed to mitigate and reduce fisheries interactions with marine mammals in Ecuador.

Pedro J Jiménez1, Juan José Alava1,2*, Cristina Castro3, Jorge Samaniego4 and Patricia Fair5


Article Image 1

Reconstruction of Historical Fisheries Profile of Cameroon

This work attempts to reconstruct historical fisheries profile by filling in the missed underestimated catch information for some reasons of industrial fishing, artisanal fishing, inland fishing, illegal fishing, discards and aquaculture production of Cameroon from 1950 to 2016.This reconstruction was carried out based on data published by various authors, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MINEPIA), the Limbe Research Center on Fisheries and Oceans and FAO reports. The dataset allowed us to reconstruct the fishing profile of Cameroon by completing the missing data by interpolation. Then we compare the data obtained with those of FAO. Reconstructed catches were estimated at 13,834 tons and aquaculture production was estimated at 19 tons in 1950 compared to 12,000 tons and 14 tons published by FAO, With the agricultural reforms and development of projects focused on the primary industry, catches increased around 94,122 tons in 1977(compared to 70,167 tons reported by the FAO) to 102,975 tons in 1981(compared to 79,761 tons reported by the FAO), declined to 78,790 tons in 1986 because of the reduction of the Exclusive Economic Zone of Cameroon (EEZ) by the geographical presence of the insular part of Equatorial Guinea (Malabo Island), then increased to 186,204 tons in 2005(compared to 142,345 tons reported by the FAO), declined to 154,800 tons in 2008(compared to 129,000 tons reported by the FAO). Since 2011 it became stable and reached around 240,000 tons against 220,000 tons published by FAO. Overall, there are discrepancies between the reconstructed data and the data provided to FAO: the reconstructed data is 30% higher than the FAO data. This information about fisheries production in Cameroonian waters shows that many locals, fisheries managers and stakeholders depends on fish products for either incomes or food safety; therefore, the recent decline of fish production in Cameroon is of no good sign to the abovementioned persons. These observed fish production decline indirectly threatens the food security of the people of Cameroon and low financial income to the state coffers.

Nyatchouba Nsangue Bruno Thierry, Richard Kindong and Liuxiong Xu*


Article Image 1

Effect of Fishmeal Substitution by Lima Bean Meal on the Zoo Technical Performances of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in the Bati

A study on the effect of the substitution of fishmeal by Lima bean flour was conducted between March and May 2018 within the AIO ICG of the Batié District, with the global objective of contributing to the development of alternative sources of animal protein. Specifically, the aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the substitution of fishmeal by Lima bean flour on the growth performance, survival and feed cost of Clarias gariepinus. For this purpose, 300 fry of Clarias gariepinus with an average weight of 3 ± 1.41g were divided into five batches and fed three times a day with rations corresponding to 5% of their ichthyo biomass. The rations R0, R25 R50, R75 and R100 respectively corresponded to the substitution rates of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of fish meal by that of Lima bean. The physic-chemical characteristics of the water (pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, nitrites and nitrates) were measured daily. The following results were obtained: The highest weight gains were obtained with the rations R25 (20.56 ± 0.40 g), R50 (20.64 ± 0.32 g), R75 (20.98 ± 0.46 g) and the lowest with the ration R100 (16.21 ± 0.28 g). For this average daily gain, the highest values were 0.36 ± 0.02 g; 0.37 ± 0.01 g, 0.38 ± 0.01 g respectively for the R0, R50 and R75 rations and the lowest with R100 (0.29 ± 0.01 g). The highest value of the specific growth rate (2.47 ± 0.07%) was obtained with the ration R0 and the lowest (1.61%) with the ration R100. The consumption index reached its highest and lowest values with the rations R100 (4.74 ± 0.42) and R50 (3.57 ± 0.43) respectively, compared to the value of the ration R0 (3.31 ± 0.37) for this parameter. Concerning the condition factor K, the highest value was recorded with the R50 diet (1.11 ± 0.49) while the lowest value was obtained with the R75 diet (0.95 ± 0.45). The cost of producing one kilogram of food was higher with the R25 ration (504.59 FCFA) and lower with the R100 ration (443.20 FCFA). This study found that incorporating 75% Lima bean flour into the feed increases the growth performance of Clarias gariepinus fry and reduces the cost of food production.

Emile Miégoué1*, Pégis Davy Tagning Zebaze2, Fernand Tendonkeng1, Lemoufouet Jules1, Nadège Elvire Njoh2, Ronald Komguep Nganyo2 and Etienne Tedonkeng Pamo1


Article Image 1

Comparative Effect of Monoculture and Polyculture in Two Species of Clariidae: Heterobranchus longifilis and Clarias gariepinus in Post Fingerlings Growth

In order to improve the production of Clariidae, a study on the type of cultivation of Heterobranchus longifilis and Clarias gariepinus in post fingerlings growth phase was carried out in tanks. It took place from March to May 2018 at the IRAD fish station in Koupa-Matapi (LN: 5º 21 ‘to 5º 58’ and LE: 10º 17 ‘to 11º 02’) west region Cameroon. For this fact 180 fry therefore 90 Heterobranchus longifilis and 90 Clarias gariepinus with an average weight 3.55 ± 0.68 g; 8.46 ± 0.41cm of total length and 7.37 ± 0.30 cm of standard length were used. The 180 fry were divided into three treatments of 60 individuals (T1 treatment: Clarias gariepinus, T2 treatment Heterobranchus longifilis and T3 treatment: Clarias gariepinus + Heterobranchus longifilis). Each treatment was repeated twice. The fish were fed twice per day at a rate of 10% of the ichthyobiomass readjusted each month after control fishing with a feed at 42% crude protein. From the results of this trial, it appears that unlike the higher mortality rates (11.66 ± 2.36%) recorded in monoculture Clarias gariepinus, the highest cannibalism rates were obtained in monoculture of Heterobranchus longifilis (13.33 ± 4.71%). The survival rate was not influenced by the type of culture. Nevertheless, the highest rate (94.44 ± 0.00%) was observed in Heterobranchus longifilis in polyculture. The highest growth values were recorded for C. gariepinus in polyculture and the weakest for H. longifilis in polyculture. For linear growth, the highest values were recorded in C. gariepinus in monoculture. In order to reduce the rate of cannibalism and mortalities in Clarias gariepinus and Heterobranchus longifilis in post f ingerlings growth phase, it is preferable to combine these two species.

Nana Towa Algrient¹, Nanmegni Rostand Romeo¹, Tonfackachille Peguy², Efole Ewoukem Thomas¹ and Jouokou Salifou²


Article Image 1

Delayed Fertilization of Landlocked Fall Chinook Salmon Eggs Stored with Oxygen at Two Temperatures

This study examined the use of supplemental oxygen and two temperatures (1° and 11°C) during the four hour storage of unfertilized landlocked fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) eggs from Lake Oahe, South Dakota, USA. There was a significant and positive effect of oxygen use on egg survival to the eyed-stage and hatch. In addition, survival to egg eye-up and hatch was significantly affected by storage temperature, with decreased survival at 1°C. However, there was no significant interaction observed between the use of oxygen and storage temperature. Mean survival to hatch ranged from 50% for those eggs stored with oxygen at 11°C compared 17.8% for those eggs stored on ice at 1°C in air. To maintain landlocked Chinook salmon egg fertility, storage with supplemental oxygen at 11°C is recommended.

Hunter Eide and Michael E Barnes*