Effects of a Popular Aquatic Pest Control Agent among Carp Aqua-culturists on Aquatic Microfauna Dynamics

Abstract

Cypermethrin is gaining popularity among fish farmers community to control aquatic insect pests and ectoparasites. Effect of cypermethrin application at farmer select dose (@0.003 ppm) on aquaculture pests (Notonecta & small prawn) commonly found in tropical ponds along with fish fry was assessed. Effect of cypermethrin application on the composition and survivability dynamics of aquatic microfauna namely rotifer, copepod and cladocera for 8 days was studied in tropical pond conditions. Cypermethrin cause significantly higher mortality to notonecta and prawn compared to fish fry within 24 h of exposure (P<0.05).