Ingested toxicity of antimycin A to grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella and black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus in two carriers

Abstract

Toxic baits are a potential control mechanism for nuisance carps, but rotenone-based baits for grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella have been ineffective. Failures have been attributed to the palatability of rotenone because innocuous training pellets are readily consumed prior to provision of piscicide baits. Several studies suggest antimycin A, a common alternative piscicide, typically applied directly to water, may be suitable as an ingested bait. The oral toxicity of antimycin A is not well described. We evaluated the oral toxicity of antimycin A in two carriers (ethanol and corn oil) on grass carp and black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus, administered via gavage. Doses ranged from 1–16 mg/kg. Lethal dose estimates for 50% of treated fish (LD50) were calculated, and the observed treatment levels resulting in complete mortality are reported at 24- and 96-hours post-treatment. Ethanol was a more effective carrier than corn oil with lower LD50 estimates and observed treatment levels with complete mortality. Antimycin A in corn oil produced only partial mortality of black carp even 96 hours from treatment and at the highest dose administered. Results document ingested doses required for mortality of grass carp and black carp that may be used for future development of species-selective antimycin A baits.