EFFECTS OF WATER SOLUBLE FRACTIONS FROM PARTS OF Balanitesaegyptiaca (DESERT DATE) ON GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF Clariasgariepinus (Burchell, 1822) JUVENILES IN A STATIC CULTURE SYSTEM

Abstract

The effects of sub-lethal concentrations of water soluble fractions (WSF) of Balanitesaegyptiaca on growth, survival rate and some physiological responses of Clariasgariepinus juveniles were investigated for four weeks under laboratory conditions at the Biology laboratory, Adamawa state college of Education Hong to determine the reliable and adequate scientific data and information for the protection of adequate environment. The concentrations of WSF used were 0.03ml/l, 0.05ml/l, 0.06ml/l and 0.08ml/l respectively, and the exposure period lasted for 24hours. Results showed that the water soluble fraction led to significant reduction in growth of fish and mean weight gain were all negative after the exposure period. Fish exposed to WSF exhibited great loss as many died compared to control group. There was marked depletion in feed conversion ratio and condition factors of the exposed fish compared to the controlled group.

Key words: Water Soluble Fractions, Balanitesaegyptiaca,Clariasgariepinus, Juveniles, Static Culture System