Histopathology of the gills, livers and kidney of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) exposed to sniper 1000EC under laboratory conditions

Indiscriminate use of Sniper 1000EC has become a serious problem among local fishermen in the Northern parts of Niger state. Juveniles of Clarias gariepinus (mean body weight 23.34 ±0.05 g; mean standard length, 20.00 ±0.45 cm) were subjected to 5 treatment levels of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/l. The tissue damages were observed majorly at 15 and 20 mg/l of sniper 1000EC exposed fish species. Oedema and hyperplasia were observed in the gills of the exposed groups. Hepatocellular steatosis and vacuolations were observed in the livers. Tubular nephrosis and hyperplasias of epithelial cells were also observed in the kidney. It is concluded that alterations in gills, livers and kidney of the exposed fish species were consequences of exposure to the toxicant (sniper 1000EC). It is recommended that the use of Sniper 1000EC by local fishermen be banned to save the aquatic environment from destruction.