(Department Of Forestry,Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2016-03-03) Lawee, A. Y.; Kigbu, A. A.; Agyo, K.
The study on the acute toxicity and behavioural changes of inorganic (N.P.K 15:15:15) fertilizer on the juveniles of Clarias
gariepinus with mean weight 54.3g with corresponding mean total length of 23.13cm and mean standard length of 14.41cm
respectively were investigated using static bioassay over a period of 96hours interval. The observed behaviours of the fish
were restlessness, loss of balance and period of quiescence and finally death. However, the intensity of these reactions and
mucus secretion were more in tanks containing 1.84 and 1.92 gl-1 concentrations of the toxicants. Statistical analysis showed
no-significant difference in the mean differences of operculum and tail fin movement. The 96 hours LC50 of the exposed fish
was also determined to be 1.74 gl-1. This was observed to be dose-dependent. N.P.K 15:15:15 fertilizer has toxic potential
and profound impact on behaviour on Clarias gariepinus juveniles.