Sublethal effect of sniper 1000EC on weight and length growth of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) obtained from Asa dam under laboratory condition

Abstract

Indiscriminate use of Sniper 1000EC has become a serious problem among local fishermen in the Northern parts of Niger state. Juveniles of Clarias gariepinus (19.47± 1.05; mean standard length, 20.00± 0.45cm) were subjected to five sublethal treatment levels of 0.00, 0.27, 0.31, 0.41 and 0.55mg/l. There was no significant difference between water quality parameters of the exposed and control groups. A 56 day exposure to sub lethal concentrations of the toxicant led to a significant decrease (p<0.05) in specific and relative growth rate in the exposed fish species in comparison with their controls. Change in weight and length decreases with increasing in sublethal concentrations of sniper 1000EC. It is concluded that depressive growth rate in the exposed fish species were consequences of exposure to the toxicant (sniper 1000EC). It was recommended that the use of Sniper 1000EC by local fishermen be banned to save the aquatic environment from destruction.