Authors : J. Auta and E.O. Ogueji
Abstract: The effect of sub lethal concentrations 1.03, 2.07 and 4.13 mg L-1 of the organophosphorus insecticide dimethoate on growth, nutrient and body composition of the fish O. niloticus were studied in the laboratory. The growth rates were significantly reduced in fish exposed to sub-lethal concentration of pesticide. The food utilization showed that the control fish gave the best FCR, PER, APP, NPU and PPV, all which were significantly higher (p<0.05) than the group of fish exposed to the toxicant. Similarly, the percentage protein, carbohydrate and lipid of the control fish after feeding period were significantly higher than in the exposed fish (p<0.05). The study shows that dimethoate causes various physiological disorders in this fish. Therefore, the usage of this pesticide around water bodies should be monitored and controlled.
J. Auta and E.O. Ogueji , 2006. Sublethal Effect of Dimethoate on Growth and Food Utilization of Oreochromis niloticus (trewavas). Journal of Fisheries International, 1: 163-166.