Turkish Journal of Zoology

Abstract: Cyprinion watsoni were exposed to three treatments of copper (0.03, 0.06, 0.12 mg/L) and three treatments of zinc (0.5, 3.0, 7.0 mg/L) for a period of one week to allow behavioural changes to be observed. None of the treatments caused mortality. Treatment with 0.03 mg Cu/L caused little change in fish behaviour; however, 0.06 mg Cu/L caused increased swimming activity and breathing movements. The highest treatment of copper (0.12 mg Cu/L) caused lethargy and loss of equilibrium in C. watsoni. Similarly, the lowest concentration of zinc (0.5 mg/L) caused no visible change in fish behaviour; however, with 3.0 mg Zn/L, fish tended to swim faster and showed an increased breathing rate. The highest concentration of zinc (7.0 mg/L) resulted in increased lethargy and a tendency of loss of equilibrium in fish.

Key Words: Cyprinion watsoni, Copper, Zinc, Behavioural abnormalities.