Acute Toxicity and Behavioural Responses of Clarias batrachus to Herbicide Herboclin: A Bioassay Approach

This study investigates the acute toxicity and behavioural responses of the herbicide Herboclin to the freshwater fish Clarias batrachus (Linn). The fish were exposed to various concentrations of Herboclin for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours to determine the lethal concentration (LC₅₀) values. The LC₅₀ values calculated from regression equations were 10.16 ppm, 7.00 ppm, 5.17 ppm, and 4.25 ppm for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours, respectively. The sub lethal concentration was determined to be 1.00 ppm. Behavioural abnormalities observed included erratic opercular movements, increased aggression, difficulty in breathing, irregular swimming, and excessive mucus secretion. Additionally, the fish exhibited disorientation, loss of balance, and lethargy. These findings indicate the significant toxicological impact of Herboclin on C. batrachus, highlighting the potential hazards of herbicides to aquatic organisms and the need for caution in their environmental use.