Ingested toxicity of Antimycin A to grass carp and black carp in two carriers

Abstract

Publication: Regional Euro-Asian Biological Invasions Centre (REABIC)

This 2022 research article by Kroboth et al., published in Management of Biological Invasions, investigates the ingested toxicity of the piscicide antimycin A in grass carp and black carp, two invasive fish species in North America. The study evaluated the effectiveness of antimycin A delivered via gavage in two carriers: ethanol and corn oil. Researchers aimed to support the development of selective toxic baits, a method that could potentially overcome the limitations of prior rotenone-based baits that suffered from low palatability and inconsistent results.

The study measured LD50 values (lethal dose to 50% of fish) at 24 and 96 hours post-treatment, with ethanol proving to be a more effective carrier. Grass carp experienced complete mortality at lower doses than black carp, particularly in the ethanol carrier. Corn oil showed reduced effectiveness for black carp even at high doses. The findings offer critical data for designing species-targeted antimycin A baiting systems, such as encapsulated pellets or carrier ampules.

This research represents a foundational step toward improving biological control of invasive carps in aquatic ecosystems, where existing management strategies are limited. The results could inform future strategies to protect native habitats and endangered species like freshwater mussels affected by invasive carp.