Zinc effects on the embryos and larvae of the sharptooth catfish, Claias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity of early life stages of Sharp tooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell), to determine which stage to use during effluent assessment. The target water quality of zinc was used ranging from 0.002-330mg/l. This zinc water had huge effects on the life stages of the fishes depending on which degree of water zinc mg/l the fish was exposed. Results from this study indicated that the free embryo stage from hatching up to 48hrs thereafter, of C. Gariepinus is probably the most sensitive stage and that this stage can be used as the most suitable stage for the monitoring the chemical and effluents effects on the life cycle of fish.