Toxicity of methanol extract of Euphorbia Lateriflora (Schum and Thann) to the juveniles of the African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) (Teugels)

Abstract

 Juveniles of Clarias gariepinus (mean weight 15.50 + 01.05 and standard length 17.50 + 00.20cm) were
 exposed in glass aquaria to 12.50, 15.00, 17.50, 20.00 and 22.50mgl-1 nominal concentration of
 methanoic extract of Euphorbia lateriflora for 96 hours (4 days) to determine the acute toxicity using
 static bioassay. Their opercular beats per minute, mortality and probit kill were determined. Symptoms
 of toxicosis observed include agitated swimming, loss of balance, air gulping, general disorientation and
 death. At the initial period, the opercular ventilation beats of fish exposed to the extract were significantly higher (P<0.05) than in control fish. At 72 and 96 hours the opercular beats in the fish were
 significantly higher (P<0.05) than in the exposed fish. The 96h-LC50 was determined using probit analysis was 13.18mgl-1. Acute exposure of the toxicant showed altered behaviour and mortality in the