EFFECTS OF LEAD ACETATE ON RESPIRATORY BEATS AND OPERCULUM ACTIVITIES OF SNAKEHEAD FISH, CHANNA PUNCTATUS

Abstract

Channa punctatus, a species of freshwater fish, was subjected to an experiment to measure the effects of lead acetate on its morphology, respiratory rate, and operculum activity. The fish in the experiment were dosed with lead acetate, which might have entered their bodies through their gills, skin, or digestive systems. Lead acetate was shown to have accumulated on the gills, operculum, morphology, and respiratory rate of the cichlid fish Channa punctatus. Fishes are particularly vulnerable to the accumulation of heavy metals in fresh water since they are the top consumer in aquatic systems. Fish consumption may have an effect on humans, especially in regions where fish is a staple meal.