Author(s): D. Senthamilselvan, A. Chezhian and E. Suresh

Abstract: Heavy metals are naturally occurring, highly toxic environmental pollutants. The objective of the present study, Lates calcarifer was exposed to an acute concentration of individual and mixed metals viz., chromium (45 ppm), mercury (0.8 ppm) and chromium plus mercury (26 ppm) for a period of 96 hours, the acute toxicity levels were derived from LC50 concentration of the heavy metals. The survival time of L. calcarifer was reduced in chromium plus mercury concentration compared with mercury and chromium concentration respectively. Physiological responses like rapid opercular movement and frequent gulping for air due to respiratory rate impairment, darkening of the body, sudden and quick movement, rolling movement was observed during the initial stages of exposure after which it became occasional. All these observations can be considered to monitor the quality of aquatic ecosystems and severity of pollution.

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