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Ecology, management and conservation in natural and modified habitats
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Toxicity effects of oral gavage of aqueous solutions of cube-root powder and sodium nitrite in common carp

D. K. J. Morgan A C D , H. Kumar B , N. Ling A and B. J. Hicks A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Biological Sciences, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand.

B Zelam Limited, PO Box 7142, New Plymouth, New Zealand.

C Present address: Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources, PO Box 39, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, SA 5223, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: dai.morgan@sa.gov.au

Wildlife Research 40(8) 647-653 https://doi.org/10.1071/WR12214
Submitted: 11 December 2012  Accepted: 16 January 2014   Published: 28 February 2014

Abstract

Context: Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a highly invasive freshwater pest fish that has been linked to waterway degradation when it has been introduced and exists at high densities. The deployment of a toxic bait may be a logistically simple tool that wildlife managers could use to reduce carp populations. Rotenone, the piscicide most commonly used in previous attempts to produce a carp bait is very expensive, albeit highly toxic to carp. We investigated the toxicity of two potential alternative piscicides to carp.

Aim: To determine the oral toxicity of two alternative cheaper toxins to carp, cube-root powder (CRP) and sodium nitrite (nitrite).

Methods: CRP or nitrite was administered in an aqueous solution by gavage to lightly sedated captive carp. The aqueous solution consisted of a 30 : 70 mixture (w/w) of the surfactant, Polysorbate 80, to increase the absorption of toxins through the intestine, and water.

Key results: The LD50 of CRP and nitrite in carp was 135.7 mg kg–1 and 122.0 mg kg–1, respectively.

Conclusions: Both CRP and nitrite are toxic to carp at dose rates low enough to be incorporated into a piscicide bait for this species.

Implications: Both CRP and nitrite appear to be viable alternative oral piscicides to rotenone for carp and warrant further investigation of delivery in bait.


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