EFFECT OF SPILANTHES FILICAULIS LEAF EXTRACT ON THE SURVIVAL RATE OF NILE TILAPIA, OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS

Abstract

Spilanthes filicaulis is an annual weed and medicinal plant which has
insecticidal activity. The present work is focused on its effect on the survival rate of
the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Introduction of Spilanthes filicaulis leaf
extract into the aquarium resulted in erratic swimming, loss of reflex, de-colorization
and eventually death of the fishes. Mortality rate increased with increase in
concentration of the plant extract.