Fish Behaviour and Immune Response as a Potential Indicator of Stress Caused by 4-Nonylphenol

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to study the stress response in fish Channa punctatus after treatment with 4-nonylphenol. Stress response was measured by studying the change in behaviour and immume system. After range finding experiment fish were exposed to 5 concentrations of 4-NP and LC50 was determined (LC50=1.27mg/l). Simultaneously behavioural response was observed for 96 hours of exposure. After LC50 determination three sublethal concentrations were decided and fish were exposed for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours and differential leucocytes count was calculated. Significant change in the number of lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophils was seen. This study concludes that fish immune system and behaviour are most sensitive parameters to study the stress level in fish.