The effects of nitrite on the short-term growth and survival of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus

Abstract

The effect of nitrite on the growth and survival of juvenile channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus) was evaluated in a 31 day growth trial. The growth of the juvenile fish was reduced at NO 2 −N levels of 1.60 mg/l and above. Mortality was increased significantly at 3.71 mg/l NO 2 −N and above. The reduction in growth at the highest nitrite concentration without mortality was only 20%. The growth response of the fish at nitrite concentration levels with significant mortality was extremely variable.