Synopsis
The development of rapid, yet sensitive toxicity testing methods is needed for the establishment of water quality standards to protect aquatic life. A technique using changes in the behavior of bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) was utilized to evaluate the impact of five sublethal levels of a cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) mixture. The technique proved very sensitive and various changes in behavior occurred at the lowest metal levels used; 21 ug Cd per liter and 99 ug Zn per liter. Coughs, yawns, partial jerks and jerk swimming were especially sensitive indicators of elevated metal levels. The frequency, but not the form, of eight of the nine behaviors quantified changed significantly with increasing metal levels.
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Henry, M.G., Atchison, G.J. Behavioral changes in bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) as indicators of sublethal effects of metals. Environ Biol Fish 4, 37–42 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00005926
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00005926