Fintrol – A Bioassay Experiment of Antimycin A

​Abstract

Publication: State of Alaska, Department of Fish and Game, 1973

This document outlines a bioassay experiment conducted by Edward T. McHenry of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to evaluate the effectiveness of Fintról, with Antimycin A as the active ingredient, for rehabilitating fish populations in Alaskan lakes. The study tested the toxicity of Antimycin A on threespine stickleback fish using various concentrations in controlled conditions. The introduction highlights Antimycin’s advantages as a fish toxicant, including precise formulation, rapid degradation, and selective impact on target species.

The procedure involved exposing fish to different concentrations of Fintról in 20-gallon water bags taken from Bear Lake. The fish were observed over a 49-hour period for mortality rates. Results showed a clear correlation between increased concentration and higher fish mortality, with toxicity levels ranging from 0.25 to 4.0 ppb. Notably, concentrations above 1.5 ppb resulted in significant fish kills. Environmental variables such as pH, temperature, and water hardness were also recorded to contextualize the results.

The study concluded that Antimycin A is a highly effective, fast-degrading piscicide that can be used for selective fish control in lake rehabilitation efforts, with minimal impact on most aquatic invertebrates. The findings support its use under specific environmental conditions.