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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Behavioral responses of Oreochromis niloticus juveniles exposed to Leptadania hastata, Nymphaea lotus extracts and urea fertilizer under static system
Authors
David LT, Magawata I, Argungu LA, Bandiya HM, Abubakar MY, Akinrotimi OA
Abstract
Behavioral responses are sensitive indicators
of environmental and chemical stress in fish. This study evaluated the
behavioral effects of Leptadania hastata, Nymphaea lotus
extracts, and urea fertilizer on Oreochromis niloticus juveniles under a
static system. Four hundred and eighty (480) Oreochromis niloticus
juvenile fish, averaged weight (17g) were divided into 48 tanks, exposed to
five concentration levels of each treatment: Leptadania hastata (1–5ml),
Nymphaea lotus (5–20ml), and urea fertilizer (0.5–2.5ml). Fish were
exposed to graded concentrations of each treatment for 96 hours, and behavioral
parameters, including swimming patterns, surfacing, erratic movement, feeding
activity, and opercular movement, were recorded. The results showed significant
dose-dependent alterations in behavior across all treatments, with high
concentrations causing increased erratic swimming, gasping at the water
surface, reduced feeding, and lethargy. Leptadenia hastata extract
induced more pronounced behavioral changes compared to Nymphaea lotus
and urea treatments. Leptadania hastata was the most toxic, with an LC50
of 1.70 ml, followed by urea (1.62 ml), and Nymphaea lotus (14.79 ml).
About 90% mortality occurred at 2.29 ml for Leptadania hastata, 2.40 ml
for urea, and 28.18 ml for Nymphaea lotus. Overall, all treatments
caused dose-dependent physiological and tissue damage to the fish. It is
therefore, recommended that the application of plant extracts and urea
fertilizer in aquaculture systems be carefully regulated to prevent sub-lethal
and lethal effects on cultured fish species. Safe concentrations thresholds
should be established before the use of these substances in aquaculture,
particularly during the juvenile stages of fish culture.
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Pages:12-16
How to cite this article:
David LT, Magawata I, Argungu LA, Bandiya HM, Abubakar MY, Akinrotimi OA "Behavioral responses of <i>Oreochromis niloticus</i> juveniles exposed to <i>Leptadania hastata</i>, <i>Nymphaea lotus</i> extracts and urea fertilizer under static system". International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 12-16
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