(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Lawee, A.Y; Kigbu, A. A; Auta, J.
Toxicity and some biochemical responses of African catfish Clarias gariepinus were investigated using static bioassay for a
period of 96 hours intervals at different concentrations (3.84, 4.08, 4.32, 4.56 and 4.80 mg/L). The results from the study revealed
that 96 hours LC50 of the exposed fishes was 3.89 mg/L, This study shows that the mortality of fish occurred steadily with
increase in duration of exposure and concentrations of the bentazon toxicant. At the end of the experiment, blood samples from
treatments collected for some biochemical variables show a significant (P<0.05) increase in the total protein level, triglycerides
level and activities of glutamic pyruvic acid transaminase (GPT) and glutamic ozaloacetic acid transaminase (GOT) levels, with a
noticeable decrease in both glucose and cholesterol levels compared to the control. This study shows that acute concentrations of
bentazon herbicide is harmful to Clarias gariepinus which is incapable of adapting to changes caused in the water quality by the
added toxicant.