Journal of Environmental Biology

Piscicidal potential of mesocarp of neem plant (Azadirachta indica L.) fruit on hybrid, “Heteroclarias”

 

A.A. Akinwande¹,  A.O. Sogbesan², F.O. Moody¹ and A.A.A. Ugwumba*³

*adiaha4me@yahoo.co.nz

¹Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria

²National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research, New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria

³Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan  Nigeria

(Received: May 19, 2006 ; Revised received: December 17, 2006 ; Accepted: January 30, 2007)

Abstract: The piscicidal potential of water-extract mesocarp of Azadirachta indica (L) was studied in static bioassay experiment with continuous aeration to determine its acute toxicity.  The mortality rate and opercular ventilation under laboratory conditions over 96 hr exposure were monitored. The 96 hr LC₅₀ was 81.28 mgl^-1 while the threshold value was 21.13 mgl^-1. The fish exhibited respiratory distress (such as gasping air), loss of appetite, loss of balance and erratic swimming prior to mortality. 

Key words:   Azadirachta indica, Piscicidal potential, Mudcatfish hybrid, Toxicity, Behavioural responses

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