ABSTRACT

Apparently 100 (one hundred) healthy Clarias gariepinus juveniles which measurement of mean weight and length taken respectively was used for range finding test while 75 (seventy five) was used for definitive test. They were acclimatized in de-chlorinated water (tap water exposed to air for greater than 24 hours) in lOOL capacity plastic bowl for 2 weeks. 5 fishes were kept per container. The result of this research shows the toxic nature of the quicklime on the behavioral, physicochemical parameters, hematological, histological and mortality of Clarias gariepininus juveniles. Physico-chemical Parameter of the research displays that there is significant effect (p<0.05) after exposure of quicklime to Clarias gariepinus on pH. temperature and dissolved oxygen. The data obtained from this investigation also show that quicklime causes a stress inducing effect on Clarias gariepinuw.s during exposure period as indicated by the alternations in the blood parameters. In conclusion the values of RBC, NEU, and PCV decreased significantly (p<0.05) while WBC, LYM increased significantly (p<0.05) which was directly proportional to the quicklime concentrations. The morphological and physical changes in the gills, liver and kidney recorded in this study were erratic swimming. anorexia, loss of reflex and discoloration were observed. These have been reported in Clarias gariepinus juvenile after exposure to quicklime. In this study, brief exposure to toxicants for about 96 hours produced irreversible changes in the liver and kidney. The changes in the liver and kidney were adaptations by the fish to cope with the challenge of the toxicants.