Effect of fenitrothion on reproduction of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium lamerrii.

Acute and toxic effects of fenitrothion on eggs and larvae of Macrobrachium lamerrii have been studied. The hatching success of the eggs is not affected when berried females are exposed to fenitrothion. No drastic changes in egg production are seen at sublethal levels, while at higher concentrations females abort their eggs. The first-stage larvae hatching in subacute chronic exposure are not morphologically abnormal. The rate of heart pulsation in embryos and larvae increased under pollutant stress. Larvae are highly susceptible and death rate of larvae does not increase during molt period. On chronic exposure there are drastic changes in the gonads of M. lamerrii.