Mortality and behavioral changes in Channa punctatus, a freshwater air-breathing fish, exposed to Rogor

Abstract

Rogor is a highly soluble and low persistent pesticide of organophosphate group. The aim of the current experiment was to investigate the toxicity and behavioral alterations in Channa punctatus when exposed to different concentrations. First mortality was observed in 48 hours when fishes were exposed to concentration of 0.6ml/20L. 100% mortality in Channa punctatus was observed after 96 hours of exposure at concentration of 1ml/20L. Some behavioural alterations such as erratic movement, hyperactivity, loss of pigmentation and equilibrium, and increased surface activity were recorded in the fishes exposed to different concentrations of Rogor. LC50 value of Rogor was determined as 0.74ml/20L. These behavioural alterations were due to the toxic effect of Rogor or may be due to stress or inactivation of specific enzyme acetyl cholinesterase activity.