Research Product

The present study measured the sensitivity of two common species of estuarine fish, the mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus, and the Atlantic silverside, Menidia menidia, to cadmium at specific stages in their life histories. Developing eggs were tested because of the proven sensitivity of this life stage to cadmium toxicity in marine fish. Three age groups of larvae, 1-, 7- and 14-days old were tested to determine if changes in sensitivity occur during the first few weeks after emergence. Bioassays were also conducted with adults for comparison with data from egg and larval bioassays. The duration of tests was limited to 48 hrs so that comparisons of sensitivity to cadmium could be made for specific developmental stages (ages) of each species.