Freshwater Catfish Heteropneustes Fossilis Research Articles

Histopathological changes in the gonads of a freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis following exposure to cadmium

Histopathological changes in the gonads of a freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis following exposure to cadmium

Evaluation of the probiotic potential of Streptomyces antibioticus and Bacillus cereus on growth performance of freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis

Application of probiotics in aquaculture helps to improve the survivability, growth and immunity of aquatic organism in sustainable aquaculture practices. This study was conducted to evaluate the probiotic potentiality of Streptomyces antibioticus EW1 and Bacillus cereus EW5 isolated from the digestive tract of earthworm (Eisenia fetida) and also determine their effects as probiotic in juvenile catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis). The bio safety assay confirmed that the isolates were not pathogenic to the host fish. These strains were able to survive in acidic as well as alkaline conditions, higher tolerance to bile salt as well as gastric juice and high surface hydrophobicity to solvents and displayed extracellular enzyme activity and moreover susceptibility to various antibiotics. Their antimicrobial activity was assessed against two fish pathogens: Aeromonas veronii (MN602971) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (MN602972). Among two isolates, the EW1 confirmed good antimicrobial activity against fish pathogens. The isolated bacterial strains were identified and established on the basis of their colony morphology, biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA sequencing which revealed that the isolates exhibited 99 % sequence homology with Streptomyces antibioticus EW1 (MH301104) and Bacillus cereus EW5 (MH301102). A 45-day feeding trial was conducted to examine the effect of probiotic inoculated fish diet for the freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis. Among three isonitrogenous (30 % CP) diets: RD (reference diet), T1 (diet with Streptomyces antibioticus) and T2 (diet with Bacillus cereus), fish fed T1 diet showed significantly higher growth, digestibility and higher values of crude protein and lipid than fishes reared with T2 and RD. The result of present study suggest that diet supplemented with Streptomyces antibioticus (T1) can be perform as safe probiotic and alternative protein source in the formulation of diet for H. fossilis.

Studies on Toxicological Effect of the Herbicide Paraquat Dichloride on the Air Breathing Singhi Catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)

The habitats of air breathing freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis are prone to oxygen deficiency and mostly contaminated with the organic and inorganic pollutants. But the fish is known for its greater adaptive capability even in adverse environmental condition and is regarded as champions in tolerating such type of aquatic environments. Therefore, it seems to be a suitable model for the study of toxicological effect of the paraquat dichloride (1, 1′-dimethyl-4, 4′-bipyridinium dichloride), a recognized contact herbicide which is highly noxious to humans and animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the toxicity of paraquat (PQ) when used in sub-lethal concentrations of 6 mg/L and 12 mg/L respectively, as determined from the LC50 value. The oxidative stress markers in liver, kidney and intestine of the fish; alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatise enzymes in the blood serum and haematological parameters of the fishes were evaluated at 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, 5 days, 10 days and 14 days post treatment with 6 mg/L and 12 mg/L of PQ. The results revealed the increased concentration of glutathione-S-transferase (GST), specifically after 10 days of treatment with 12 mg/L paraquat concentration, along with significant increase in the concentration of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde after 14 days of PQ exposure (12 mg/L concentration), when tallied against the control. However, the concentration of non-enzymatic reduced glutathione (GSH) was decreased significantly in treated fishes after 14 days (12 mg/L concentration) as GST uses GSH as a substrate to detoxify substances, hence enabling more defence against ROS production in H. fossilis. Haematological indices like the RBC count and haemoglobin concentration manifested a significant reduction, while the WBC count significantly increased on exposure to both 6 mg/L and 12 mg/L concentrations of PQ as compared to control fish. These findings clearly indicated the increased concentration of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GST) and reduction in non enzymatic GSH enabled the fish to survive during the PQ exposure period.

CADMIUM TOXICITY INDUCED MORPHOLOGICAL ALTERATION IN INDIGENOUS FISH Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch.)

The aim of present study was to determine the toxicity (LC50) of cadmium chloride in freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis. Acute toxicity of cadmium on the indigenous fish H., fossilis was designed in the fish aquarium in laboratory at room temperature in Department of Zoology, DGPG College at Kanpur.
 Treated fish H., fossilis induced morphological alteration against cadmium chloride toxicity. H. fossilis showed morphological alteration such as increased opercula movement, abnormal swimming, and loss of buoyancy and fading of their body colour. Control fishes were also continuously monitored and compared with the changes caused by cadmium concentration.
 Heteropneustes fossilis exposed different concentration of cadmium chloride toxicity i.e. 0 ppm for 24 h, 10 ppm for 48h, 15ppm for 72h and 20 ppm for 96 h. From this present study it seems that the indigenous fish, H. fossilis is more susceptible to cadmium toxicity.

Alteration in Antioxidant Biomolecules after the Exposure to Fluoride in Fresh Water Fish Heteropneustes fossilis

Fluoride contamination in aquatic ecosystem has been recognized as one of the major problems worldwide and it is imposing a serious threat to aquatic organisms. It induces adverse physiological and biochemical effect in animals. The present study has been planned to observe toxic effect of Sodium fluoride on antioxidative biomarkers like LPO, SOD, and GSH in a fresh water catfish Heteropneustes fossilis. Fish were exposed to two sub lethal concentrations of Sodium fluoride for 30 days. After exposure, fish were sacrificed for collection of tissues for biochemical assay. It was found that SOD, GSH decreased significantly while LPO increased significantly in treated fish as compared to control. Results indicate concentration dependent induction of oxidative stress and subsequent alternations in the activities of non enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants like LPO, GSH and SOD.

Effect of Dimethoate on Prolactin Cells of Freshwater Catfish Heteropneustes fossilis after Short-term and Long-term Exposure

Effect of Dimethoate on Prolactin Cells of Freshwater Catfish Heteropneustes fossilis after Short-term and Long-term Exposure

Dimethoate Induced Changes in Serum Ca2+ and Corpuscles of Stannius in Freshwater Catfish Heteropneustes fossilis, after Short-Term and Long-Term Exposure

The Corpuscles of Stannius (CS) exclusively present in bony fishes, produce Stanniocalcin – an anti-hypercalcemic hormone. Fish are in intimate contact with their surrounding through their gills. Gills are the main target of stanniocalcin; therefore, the activity of CS is influenced by many external and internal factors. Stressful conditions such as exposure to various pesticides disturb the ionic balance in fishes. Short-term (96 h) and long-term (36 d) toxic effect of an organophosphate insecticide, dimethoate was studied on serum Ca2+ and CS histology in freshwater air-breathing catfish Heteropneustes fossilis. The concentration of dimethoate for short-term exposure was 2.24 mg L-1 (75% of 96 h LC50) and for long-term was 0.75 mg L-1 (25% of 96 h LC50). Fish exhibited hypocalcaemia in both the short-term as well as in long-term experiment. The glandular cells of CS in short-term experiment, exhibited increase in the nuclear volume (NV) along with increase in the nucleoli number after 24 h and thereafter, show decrease in NV and deformity of nucleus after 96 h dimethoate exposure. In long-term experiment, the NV increased following 6 d of exposure to dimethoate, but decreased significantly thereafter. The gland exhibited degeneration after 36 d of dimethoate exposure.

Histological Changes in Calcium Regulating Endocrine Gland (Ultimobranchial) After Dimethoate Exposure in Freshwater Catfish <i>Heteropneustes Fossilis</i>

Ultimobranchial gland in fishes is associated primarily with calcium regulation. The study was aimed to find effect of an organophosphate pesticide dimethoate on serum Ca2+ and ultimobranchial gland in freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis. Fish were exposed to dimethoate at 2.24 mg/l (75% of 96 h LC50) for short-term (24, 48, 72 and 96 h), and 25% of 96 h LC50 (1.00 mg/l) for long-term (6, 12, 24 and 36 d). The blood samples collected at assigned durations from the anaesthetized fish were used to measure serum Ca2+ levels. At the same time UBG were also extricated from the fish by removing the tissues adjoining esophagus, liver and sinus venosus of the heart for subsequent histological examination. A significant (P<0.05) increase in serum Ca2+ levels of fish following 24 h and 6d dimethoate exposure was observed. However, after 48 h and 12 d the Ca2+ level gradually begins to decline exhibiting significant (P<0.0001) hypocalcaemia after 96 h and 36 d in the exposed fishes. The histological examination of exposed fish glands exhibit significant changes in their cellular activity, staining property, nuclear diameter and nuclear volume, vacuolization and degeneration. It is concluded that dimethoate severely hampers the calcium homeostasis in Heteropneustes fossilis; therefore the pesticide should be cautiously used near aquatic bodies.

Ameliorative stroke of selenium against toxicological effects of mercuric chloride in liver of freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)

Mercury, a prevalent and unrelenting toxin, occurs in a variety of forms in freshwater as well as, in marine life. Mercury is an important inducer of oxidative stress in fish leading to formation of reactive oxygen species. Selenium is an essential micronutrient for animals and has antagonistic effect against mercuric toxicity in fishes. Present study has been made to evaluate toxic effect of HgCl2 (0.15 mg/L) on liver of freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bl.). Protective ability of selenium has been investigated by simultaneous exposure of fish with sodium selenite (0.15 mg/L) along with mercuric chloride. For present study Fishes were divided into three groups of ten fishes each the first group served as control, while the second group fish were exposed to HgCl2 . Animals of third group were treated with HgCl2 and Na2 SeO3 . Results reveal that mercury induced lipid peroxidation and in response to this, antioxidants reduced glutathione (GSH) and Catalase (CAT) were reduced whereas, Glutathione reductase (GR) level was enhanced. These antioxidants scavenge the reactive oxygen radicals. Hg induced histopathological damage and elevation in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and transaminases and reduction in protein and glucose contents were evidently seen in catfish liver. Intriguingly, results indicate that under stress of mercury, the fish actively generate oxidative stress and antioxidant responses, which can be used as biomarkers of pollution. Simultaneous exposure to Selenium along with Hg suppressed Hg uptake and lipid peroxidation. Histological architecture and all biochemical parameters were maintained near normal in the presence of selenium in liver of the catfish.

Alterations in serum electrolyte levels after dimethoate exposure and recovery in the freshwater air-breathing catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)

Dimethoate, a moderately toxic insecticide, has a wide range of agricultural and domestic applications. Like other organophosphates, dimethoate has anticholinesterase activity. Fish are non-target organisms, inadvertently exposed to pesticides and their metabolic products. The present study includes short-term (96 h) and long-term (36 d) effects of dimethoate exposure on some serum electrolytes Ca2+, Mg2+, and Pi in the freshwater air-breathing catfish Heteropneustes fossilis. The concentration of dimethoate for short-term exposure was 2.24 mg L−1 (75% of 96 h LC50) and for long-term exposure 0.75 mg L−1 (25% of 96 h LC50). The study includes the recovery pattern in serum electrolytes after placing the fish in pesticide-free water. Fish show hypocalcemia, hypermagnesemia, and hyperphosphatemia after short-term and long-term exposure to dimethoate. When placed in pesticide-free water, these electrolytes exhibit recovery towards normalization, indicating significant (p < 0.05) recovery.

Residue of Cadmium and Mercury in Liver and Muscle of a Freshwater Catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)

Toxic metals viz., cadmium and mercury in liver and muscle tissues of a freshwater catfish, H. fossilis were measured by graphic mode and atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Fish were exposed to fractions of 96h LC 50 value. Acute (1/5 th of 96h LC 50 ), subacute (1/10 th of 96h LC 50 ) and sublethal (1/15 th of 96h LC 50) concentrations for acute (96h), short (10-20 days) and long (30-60 days) terms. The accumulation of both the metals in liver and muscle was significant in respect of dose and duration. The cadmium residue was found to be higher in liver than muscle but mercury was more in muscle than liver. It was also observed that, the relationship between the body concentration of each heavy metal and its respective 96h LC 50 value was close and sequenced.

Blood electrolytes of the freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis in response to treatment with a botanical pesticide (latex of Euphorbia royleana)

The aim of the present study was to determine changes in blood electrolytes (calcium and phosphate) in the freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis following short- and long-term exposure to latex of Euphorbia royleana. To investigate the effects of short-term exposure, fish were exposed to 80% of the 96-h LC(50) of E. royleana latex (2.47 mg/L) for 96 h. To assess the effects of long-term exposure, fish were exposed to 20% of the 96-h LC(50) of E. royleana latex (0.618 mg/L) for 28 days. Fish were killed after 24, 48, 72 and 96 h (short-term experiments) or after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days (long-term experiments). Blood samples were collected and sera were analyzed to determine calcium and inorganic phosphate levels. Serum calcium levels decreased progressively in H. fossilis after 48 h exposure to E. royleana latex. This decrease persisted until the end of the experiment (96 h). Serum inorganic phosphate levels in treated fish decreased progressively from 72 h. After 7 days exposure to E. royleana latex, decreased serum calcium levels were noted in H. fossilis that persisted until the end of the experiment. Serum phosphate levels were decreased in H. fossilis on days 21 and 28 of exposure to E. royleana latex. It is concluded that E. royleana latex alters the blood electrolyte content of the fish. The change in these electrolytes, particularly calcium levels, may cause disturbances in the normal vital physiological functions of the fish, its growth rate, and even its ability to survive in nature.

Effects of Euphorbia tirucalli latex on blood calcium and phosphate of the freshwater air-breathing catfish Heteropneustes fossilis

The effects of Euphorbia tirucalli latex on blood calcium and phosphate of Heteropneustes fossilis was investigated in this study. The fish were subjected to 0.8 of 96-h LC50 value of E. tirucalli latex (1.05 µL L−1) for 96-h in a short-term experiment and 0.2 of 96-h LC50 value (0.263 µL L−1) for 28 days in a long-term experiment. Fish were sacrificed after 24, 48, 72, and 96 h in the short-term experiment and after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days in the long-term experiment and blood samples were analyzed for calcium and inorganic phosphate. Acute exposure of E. tirucalli latex caused a progressive decrease in the calcium level after 48 h which persists till the close of the experiment. Phosphate levels remain unaffected till 48 h but after 72 h the levels exhibit a progressive decrease. Chronic E. tirucalli latex treatment provokes a decrease in calcium levels at day 7 continuing till the end of the experiment (28 days). The phosphate levels remain unaffected up to day 7, thereafter, levels decrease from 14 days till the end of the experiment.

Alterations in blood electrolytes of a freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis in response to treatment with a botanical pesticide, Nerium indicum leaf extract

The present study aimed at investigating the effects of Nerium indicum leaf extract on the blood electrolytes of Heteropneustes fossilis for short- and long term. Fish were subjected to Nerium indicum leaf extract for short term (11.27 mg/L i.e. 0.8 of 96 h LC₅₀) and long term (2.81 mg/L i.e. 0.2 of 96 h LC₅₀). Fish were killed on each time intervals from control and experimental (Nerium indicum) groups after 24, 48, 72, and 96 h in short-term exposure and after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days in long-term experiment. Blood samples were analyzed for calcium and inorganic phosphate levels. Acute exposure of Nerium indicum leaf extract caused a progressive decrease in the serum calcium levels after 48 h in fish H. fossilis, which persists till the close of the experiment (96 h). The serum inorganic phosphate levels remain unaffected till 48 h in the Nerium indicum leaf extract-exposed fish. After 72 and 96 h, the levels exhibit a decrease. Chronic Nerium indicum leaf extract treatment provoked a decrease in serum calcium levels at day 14. This decrease continues till 28 days. The serum phosphate level of the Nerium indicum leaf extract-treated fish decreases on day 14 and 21. However, on day 28, the levels become close to the normal values. We conclude that Nerium indicum leaf extract exposure alters the blood electrolytes of the fish, thus causing physiological disturbances which might affect seriously the normal vital functions, growth rate, reproduction, and their survival in nature.

Bioaccumulation of cobalt, digestive enzyme activities, and growth of freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch), fed cobalt-supplemented diets

Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of excess dietary cobalt (Co) on its bioaccumulation, on digestive enzyme activities, and on the growth of freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). Four isonitrogenous diets (average crude protein: 32.7%) were formulated to prepare a control diet (T1) with no Co, and three Co-supplemented diets with 0.05 (T2), 0.1 (T3), and 1.0 (T4)% Co. The results showed that H. fossilis fed with T3 diet showed maximum apparent protein digestibility, feed conversion, protein utilization, and growth. Protease and lipase activities were also maximum in T3 diet. Accumulation of Co in different soft and hard tissues of the fish did not show any correlation with the level of Co in the diet. The concentration of Co in the water increased with its dietary level, being at an alarming level at 1.0% dietary Co. It is concluded that an additional supply of dietary Co up to a level of 0.1% is a viable option to augment growth of the catfish H. fossilis, but at higher levels of Co it may be detrimental to the fish and the aquatic ecosystem.

Deltamethrin-induced alterations in serum calcium and prolactin cells of a freshwater teleost, Heteropneustes fossilis

Deltamethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide widely used in many countries, causes significant adverse effects in aquatic ecosystems. The concentration of deltamethrin in water reservoirs and the run off from agricultural areas (in water) in many countries range up to 24.0 µg L−1 which is higher than the recommendation of the European Union standard. Hence, in this study the effects of deltamethrin were investigated, i.e. its toxic impacts on the freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis in terms of serum calcium and prolactin cells (located in the rostral pars distalis region of the pituitary). The fish were subjected to deltamethrin for a short-term experiment (96 h; 1.5 µg L−1 e.0.8 of 96 h LC50) and a long-term experiment (28 days; 0.37 µg L−1 e.0.2 of 96 h LC50). After short-term deltamethrin exposure, serum calcium levels decrease. No histological change in prolactin cells is noticed throughout the short-term experiment. Fish exposed to deltamethrin for 7 days also exhibit a decrease in serum calcium level. This decrease persisted until the end of the experiment (28 days). Prolactin cells of fish treated for 14 days with deltamethrin exhibit increased nuclear volume and degranulation, increasing progressively from the 21st day onwards. After 28 days, a few degenerated cells are discerned. The results of this study show that deltamethrin is moderately toxic for the freshwater fish H. fossilis by producing adverse effects on serum calcium and prolactin cells. Hence, it should be used with caution in areas near fish-inhabited waters.

Molecular and functional characterization of catfish ( Heteropneustes fossilis) aquaporin-1b: Changes in expression during ovarian development and hormone-induced follicular maturation

The oocytes of the freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis hydrate during hormone-induced meiotic maturation. To investigate if this process may be mediated by aquaporins (AQPs), as it occurs in marine fish producing highly hydrated eggs, the cloning of ovarian AQPs in catfish was carried out. Using degenerate primers for conserved domains of the major intrinsic protein (MIP) family, and 5′ and 3′end amplification procedures, a full-length cDNA encoding for an AQP1-like protein was isolated. The predicted protein showed the typical six transmembrane domains and two Asn-Pro-Ala (NPA) motifs conserved among the members of the AQP superfamily. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the catfish AQP clustered with the teleost-specific aquaporin-1b subfamily, and accordingly it was termed HfAqp1b. Heterologous expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes indicated that HfAqp1b encoded for a functional AQP, water permeability being enhanced by cAMP. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that cAMP induced the translocation of HfAqp1b into the oocyte plasma membrane most likely through the phosphorylation of HfAqp1b Ser 227. In adult catfish, hfaqp1b transcripts were detected exclusively in ovary and brain and showed significant seasonal variations; in the ovary, hfaqp1b was maximally expressed during the pre-spawning period, whereas in the brain the highest expression was detected during spawning. In vitro stimulation of isolated catfish ovarian follicles with vasotocin (VT) or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which induce oocyte maturation and hydration, elevated the hfaqp1b transcript levels after 6 or 16 h of incubation, respectively. These results suggest that HfAqp1b may play a role during VT- and hCG-induced oocyte hydration in catfish, and that VT may regulate HfAqp1b at the transcriptional and post-translational level in a manner similar to the vasopressin-dependent mammalian AQP2.

Toxicity of cypermethrin, effects on serum electrolytes (Ca+2, Mg+2 and Pi) levels and recovery response in fresh water catfish Heteropneustes fossilis Bloch

The study was aimed to determine the toxicity of cypermethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid pesticide on the freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis. The experiment was conducted in two parts for a period of 96 h, under static conditions. In the first part, the LC50 value of cypermethrin for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h was estimated. Behavioral changes in fish such as increased frequency of surfacing and gulping of atmospheric air, decrease in opercular movement (OCM), alteration in swimming pattern, violent shaking and jerking of head and gradual loss of balance due to cypermethrin exposure were regularly monitored for 96 h. In the second part of the study, the fish were subjected to short term (96 h) exposure of 3.42 μg/l (75% of 96 h LC50) cypermethrin. Thereafter, fish were released in the cypermethrin-free water in order to study the recovery patterns in serum electrolyte levels. The data obtained from the acute toxicity tests were evaluated using EPA Probit analysis, Version 1.5, software based on Finney's Probit Analysis method. The LC50 values for cypermethrin 24, 48, 72 and 96 h were 5.43, 5.12, 4.82 and 4.56 μg/l, respectively. The Ca+2 levels decreased in the exposed fishes up to 96 h, whereas, Mg+2 and Pi recorded an increase. During recovery period the serum electrolytes recorded a pattern towards normalcy when compared with 96 h exposed fishes.© 2009 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Key words: LC50, pyrethroids, exposure, normalcy.

Effect of Ambient Temperature and Daylight on the Survival of Freshwater Catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794) Exposed to Cypermethrin

Short-term static bioassays were made to evaluate effects of ambient temperature and daylight on the survival of freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis to a lethal dose (1 μg/L) of cypermethrin. The results revealed that light hour exposure period (10 h) remaining constant, there was no mortality up to an ambient temperature of 3°C. Fish started dying as ambient temperature increased to 4°C and the mortality increased linearly with increase of temperature until 100% mortality was observed at an ambient temperature of 22°C. But mortality of the fish decreased with the increase of light hours at a constant ambient water temperature of 3°C.

Effects of cypermethrin on some biochemical parameters and its amelioration through dietary supplementation of ascorbic acid in freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis

Static bioassays were made to evaluate efficiency of dietary supplementation of ascorbic acid to counter stress exerted by the pyrethroid pesticide, cypermethrin on freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis. Three levels, a control and two sub-lethal concentrations (0.3 and 0.5 μg L −1) of cypermethrin were tested. Stress on H. fossilis was evident from the rise of plasma glucose level and reduction in the level of liver glycogen after 4 h of cypermethrin treatment. Acid and alkaline phosphatase activities of liver and ascorbic acid level of blood, liver and kidney also decreased significantly in H. fossilis exposed to cypermethrin as compared with control. Fish previously fed for 60 d with a diet supplemented by high level of ascorbic acid (1.0 g kg −1) could significantly reverse these effects. Fish fed a low level of dietary ascorbic acid (0.5 g kg −1) failed to counter the stress of cypermethrin.