Effect of Herbal Toxicity on the Ovary of Clarias Batrachus: Histological Study

Abstract

The present work examines the effects of Agave americana on the behaviour and histological alterations on the ovary of air breathing fish, Clarias batrachus. Fresh water fish, Clarias batrachus, was with A. americana provided at different concentration i.e. 3 gm, 4.5 gm and 6 gm for different period of time i.e. 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours.

The behavioural changes observed were restlessness, jerky and violent movements, increased gulping activity and excessive secretion of mucus all over the body. Later the fish were sluggish and showed lethargic movements and finally came to surface and died. The histological alterations observed in the ovary of fish at all time periods were increased number of atretic follicles, cytoplasmic shrinkage, vacuolization, necrosis and degeneration of follicular cells and lowering of lipid level. The severity of these changes was time dependent.

It was concluded that although botanical pesticides are being considered as less toxic/safe, but it may provoke morphological changes in vital organs of the fish such as ovary. Hence, precautions must be taken into consideration when herbal poisons are being used in fish inhabiting areas.