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Biochemical impacts of salinity on the catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794), and possibility of their farming at low saline water
Author(s) -
Ahmmed Mirja Kaizer,
Ahmmed Fatema,
Kabir Kazi Ahmed,
Faisal Md.,
Ahmed Sk. Istiaque,
Ahsan Md. Nazmul
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
aquaculture research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.646
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1365-2109
pISSN - 1355-557X
DOI - 10.1111/are.13246
Subject(s) - heteropneustes fossilis , salinity , biology , catfish , brackish water , zoology , euryhaline , glycogen , saline , fish farming , freshwater fish , aquaculture , fish <actinopterygii> , fishery , ecology , endocrinology
Abstract Although a stenohaline freshwater fish, the stinging catfish Heteropneustes fossilis, is also available in the freshwater fringes of the coastal areas of Bangladesh, the tolerance of this species to variable environmental salinity has not been thoroughly investigated. Based on median lethal salinity ( MLS ‐50 96 h), three sublethal salinity levels (3 ppt, 6 ppt and 9 ppt) and a control (0 ppt), each with three replications were selected to observe the effects of mildly brackish conditions on the fish for a period of 90‐day exposure. Better growth and survival were found up to 6 ppt compared with control. Salinity more than 6 ppt appeared unsuitable for H. fossilis fingerling due to increased mortality and reduced growth. To determine biochemical alterations, a few important physiological parameters were observed after 90 days of exposure. Glycogen level of liver and muscle in the fish reared at 9 ppt salinity decreased significantly ( P < 0.05) as compared to the control. Glucose level in blood and liver was also found to be increased in fish with increase in salinity. ALP and ATP ase activities were reduced significantly in both muscle and liver tissues at higher salinity, indicating the stress mitigation effect. However, all the biochemical parameters were found in normal condition up to 6 ppt compared with control. This evidence suggests that H. fossilis can sustain and grow well below 6 ppt and can be a potential candidate for culture in coastal areas after heavy downpour when the salinities level falls to 6 ppt or lower.