In this research, the exposure of cadmium was done to assess the impacts of exposure on the external meristic characteristics of Trichopodus pectoralis, a freshwater fish species with a biological usage in measuring aquatic pollution. The concentration levels of cadmium were 4 levels of 0.000, 0.005, 0.010 and 0.015 mg/L and each lasted 16 weeks. Three external meristic parameters were studied, such as lateral line scales, scales above a lateral line, and predorsal scales. The findings indicated that all three meristic traits were greatly influenced by the cadmium exposure, and the reduction changed more at a higher level. An adaptive response was observed in some of the traits and was observed in earlier stages of exposure before the toxic effects started becoming chronic. In general, the results show that the concentration of cadmium and the duration of exposure to the cadmium element are essential factors that can affect morphological alterations in fish and the results suggest the possibility of using Trichopodus pectoralis external meristic characteristics as bomarkers of cadmium pollution in aquatic environments.
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