Waterborne 17 α-ethynylestradiol affects aggressive behaviour male fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) under artificial spawning conditions. Majewski, A., R., Blanchfield, P., J., Palace, V., P., & Wautier, K. Water Quality Research Journal of Canada, 37(4):697-710, 2002.
Waterborne 17 α-ethynylestradiol affects aggressive behaviour male fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) under artificial spawning conditions [pdf]Paper  abstract   bibtex   
Among fishes, courtship behaviour and nesting defense are strong predictors of reproductive success. We conducted three experiments to assess the impacts of exposure to 17a-ethynylestradiol (EE2) on the ability of males to establish and defend a spawning territory. Fish were exposed to EE2 (2 or 8 ng L-1) for 27 days, while spawning conditions were gradually optimized. Control (ethanol only) males (C) were paired with treated males (L = low dose), H = high dose) (experiment 1) or individuals from their own treatment group (experiment 2) in competition for a nest site. Solitary males occupied a nest site prior to adding a second male from the same treatment group experiment 3. Behaviour was quantified from video records. Exposure to EE2 impaired a male's ability to compete and acquire territories compared to unexposed individuals (experiment 1), but was similar when males were paired with like-treated conspecifics (experiments 2 and 3). Higher levels of overall aggression (aggression rates of both fish) occurred in C vs. L and C vs. H than C vs. C trials (experiment 1). Induction of vitellogenin was significantly higher in exposed fish relative to controls.

Downloads: 0