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Survival and reproductive performance of the desert pupfish, Cyprinodon n. nevadensis (Eigenmann and Eigenmann), in acid waters
Author(s) -
Lee R. M.,
Gerking S. D.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/j.1095-8649.1980.tb02782.x
Subject(s) - biology , reproduction , acclimatization , fish <actinopterygii> , zoology , larva , fishery , ecology , toxicology
Desert pupfish, Cyprinodon n. nevadensis , were exposed to pH levels of 8·3 (control), 7·0, 6·5, 6·0, 5·5 and 5·0 to determine the effects of acidity on reproduction. Egg production was significantly reduced at every pH level tested below the control. Egg‐laying virtually ceased at pH 5·0, while egg viability was reduced to less than 50% of the control value at pH 6·5, when eggs were tested at the same pH at which they were laid. The 96 h LC 50 for this species was pH 4·56, considerably below that for successful reproduction. Larvae were less tolerant to acid stress than were adults. Acclimation of reproductive performance to increased acid levels did not occur. Reproductive performance did not fully recover to control levels when the fish were placed in more favourable conditions after prolonged exposure to low pH. Reduction in the number and development of oocytes was observed in the ovaries of acid stressed fish resulting in the decreased reproductive potential.