Herbal fish toxicant used by fishers of Karbi-Anglong district, Assam

Abstract

Use of plant, Polygonum hydropiper Linn. (Smartweed) as fish toxicant by the tribal people of Karbi-Anglong district of Assam for catching fish from natural aquatic resources as well as for removal of uneconomical fishes from the aquaculture pond has been discussed. Indigenous Technical Knowledge on aquaculture has generously been passed on to newer generation by older ones. Plant’s botanical identity, local name, family, plant parts used, therapeutic uses and mode of application of the drug have been described. It was observed that carp fishes died immediately, but air-breathing fishes (Heteropneustus fossilis and Channa puntatus) lasted for sometime.