Author(s): Dr. Garima Harit and Dr. Neera Srivastava

Abstract: Behavioural changes in a fish form an efficient index to measure any alterations in the environmental conditions. Endosulfan not only changes the physico-chemical characteristics of water but also impose drastic impact on the fish. Any change in the aquatic environment causes altered behavioural responses, ultimately leading to physiological adjustments. Therefore, the present work was undertaken to study the behavioural alterations in the freshwater fish Channa punctatus caused by sub-acute exposure to the organochloride pesticide endosulfan. Fish was exposed to endosulfan at two sub-lethal concentrations 0.01 ppm (Group II) and 0.02 ppm (Group III) for 120 hours. Group I served as control. Behavioural changes were observed every day in all groups. The changes in behavioural parameters were both time and dose dependent. Results revealed that normal behaviour of the fish was adversely influenced by endosulfan treatment as noted by decreased swimming activity and an increase in surfacing frequency, opercular movements and mucus secretion. To study the recovery response in behaviour of fish, the experimental groups were transferred to normal tap water and kept for another 120 h. After withdrawal of sub-lethal concentrations of endosulfan, fish revert to a normal behavioural pattern towards the end of the recovery period. This study reflects the altered behavioral response and also indicates the changes in physiological functions of fish induced due to an organochlorine pesticide like endosulfan. Recovery results suggest that if the remedial measures of water bodies are done at regular intervals, damage caused by endosulfan could be minimized.

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