Effects of cadmium on the behaviour of Cnesterodon decemmaculatus

FERRO, J.P.; CAMPOS, L.B.; OSSANA, N.A.; FERRARI, L.; EISSA, B.L.

International Journal of Environment and Health

Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

Año: 2020 vol. 9

1743-4955

Recognising biomarkers for assessing early ecotoxicity effects usingtest species exposed to reference toxicants is important, hence the aim of thiswork was to study changes in some behavioural parameters of Cnesterodondecemmaculatus. Fish were under stress conditions induced by exposure to asubtoxic concentration of cadmium (Cd) in the laboratory. Acute bioassays(96 h) were performed under laboratory conditions, with medium renewalevery 48 h. Animals were randomly assigned into two groups of 10 individualseach: Cd-exposed (0.50 mg Cd. L?1) and control (moderate tap water). Bothgroups were video-recorded every day for 15 min at the same time of day. Eachindividual was evaluated for: a) aggressive behaviour; b) sexual behaviour;and c) swimming alterations. Fish exposed showed irregular swimming,hyperactivity periods, fewer copulation attempts and same aggressivebehaviour as compared with the control group. Our results suggest that thesebehavioural alterations may serve as early and reliable biomarkers.