Effects of methylmercury on ontogeny of prey capture ability and growth in three populations of larval Fundulus heteroclitus.

Abstract

We used three populations of mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus), one from a polluted site (Piles Creek [PC], New Jersey) and two from cleaner sites (Tuckerton [TK], New Jersey, and East Hampton [EH], New York), to study (1) whether embryonic, embryonic plus larval, or larval exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) altered larval prey capture ability and growth; and (2) whether there were differences in tolerance to MeHg-induced behavioral changes among the three populations. Eggs and sperm were obtained from mummichogs captured in the field, and their embryos and larvae were kept in clean sea water or MeHg solution (5, 10 microg/L). Larvae were then tested regularly for prey capture rates and prey capture efficiencies, and their lengths were measured. Embryonic exposure to MeHg induced transitory and recoverable impairments in larval prey capture ability, whereas larval exposure alone was relatively ineffective. When both embryos and larvae were treated, larval prey capture ability was affected at a lower concentration and a wider range of larval ages. In terms of growth and prey capture ability, response of larvae to embryonic or larval or exposure to both stages to MeHg varied with populations. TK fish were the most tolerant with respect to behavioral changes but were the most sensitive to MeHg in reduction of growth. EH fish were the most sensitive whenever embryos were treated, and PC fish were the most vulnerable after larval exposure. The population differences in response to MeHg intoxication may be due to pollution related factors or differences in behavioral-related genetic factors.