Effects of almix herbicide on profile of digestive enzymes of three freshwater teleostean fishes in rice field condition

The present investigation was carried out to compare the alterations of digestive enzymes like amylase, lipase, and protease activities in three teleostean fishes viz., Anabas testudineus, Heteropneustes fossilis and Oreochromis niloticus after application of almix herbicide for 30 days at rice field concentration i.e., 8 g/acre. Highest amylase activity was observed in intestine of A. testudineus (300.76%) and lowest in intestine of H. fossilis (103.89%), while maximum lipase activity was found in stomach of O. niloticus (203.27%) and lowest in stomach of H. fossilis (109.65%). Protease activity was also highest in liver of O. niloticus (270.47%) but lowest in stomach of H. fossilis (114.04%). Changes in the enzymes’ activity were different in respect to fishes and their tissues. According to this analysis, A. testudineus and O. niloticus were more sensitive. So, it can be inferred that long-term exposure of almix even at environment-friendly concentration may cause alterations in the digestive functions.