Lipid changes in the freshwater fish Ophiocephalus punctatus exposed to synthetic pyrethroid cypermethrin

Pollution leads to widespread denaturation of the environment, threatening the very existence of living beings. Excessive use of pesticides globally has become a major concern and contributes to severe chemical pollution. Alteration in the chemical composition of natural aquatic environment by such pesticides induces behavioral and biochemical changes in the aquatic inhabitants particularly fish. Protein, carbohydrates and lipids constitute major component of the fish body. Pesticides like synthetic pyrethroid- cypermethrin have caused notable effects on the lipid content of liver and intestine of fresh water fish Ophiocephalus punctatus, which were treated with sublethal concentrations of cypermethrin at different time intervals. The study showed that there was a decline in the lipid levels of the liver and intestine of the exposed fishes