Parental exposure to ortho, para‐dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane impairs survival skills of atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) larvae

Abstract

AbstractThree behavioral assays were used to investigate the effect of parental exposure to ortho, para‐dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (o, p′‐DDT, 2.0 or 10.0 μg per 100 g fish per day in the diet for 1 month) on the behavior of Atlantic croaker, Micropogonias undulatus, larvae. Responses to separate visual and vibratory stimuli, as well as routine swimming activity, were quantified using motion analysis equipment. Eggs collected immediately after spawning from adults administered the 2.0 and 10.0 μg per 100 g fish per day doses of DDT contained 0.016 ± 0.002 and 0.049 ± 0.002 μg DDT per egg, respectively. Of the behavioral variables examined, proportion of larvae responding to a vibratory stimulus, burst and routine swimming speeds, active duration, and pause duration were most affected by parental exposure to o, p′‐DDT. Mean and maximum burst speeds in response to the visual stimulus were higher for control larvae. The proportion of larvae responding to the vibratory stimulus was significantly higher for control larvae only after yolk and oil globule absorption. Effects of DDT exposure on routine swimming activity were only observed prior to complete oil globule absorption. Changes in these variables due to parental exposure may decrease a fish's chance of survival by increasing predation rates and/or decreasing feeding rates.