Effects of dieldrin toxicity on the haematology of the african catfish, Clarias garipinus (Burchell, 1822)

Abstract

The effect of chronic dieldrin toxicity on the blood parameters of the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus exposed at three different water concentrations (0.7ug 1^-1, l.Sug 1^-1 and 2.4ug 1^-1) for 30 days was determined_ Results however, indicated that both haemotocrit and haemoglobin levels were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by these concenuations. The organochlorine toxicit) however. affected the behaviour pattern of the fish at the initial stages by lost of equilibrium resulting in erratic movements though there were no monalities. It was concluded that the effects of the three concentrations organochlorine dieldrin) on the blood parameters of this fish were temporary as fish were able to recover quickly from the toxicity effects:

Keywords: Hacmotology, hacmotocrit. haemoglobin and behaviour