Evidence of maternal copper and cadmium transfer in two live-bearing fish species

摘要: We studied maternal transfer of an essential metal (copper) and a non-essential one (cadmium) in the live-bearing fishes Heterandria formosa Gambusia affinis. The goals this study were: (1) to determine whether metals are transferred from exposed females their developing offspring; (2) if differs between two fish species that differ degree provisioning during development; (3) duration once no longer exposed; (4) copper cadmium equivalently. gravid background levels (control) or 0.15 µM for 10 days, then them clean water. allowed give birth up three broods, quantified offspring born at least 3 days after transfer. detected both species. Offspring decreased as spent more time Similarly, were lower later broods than earlier ones. Maternal was higher H. G. Our results constitute first report fishes, show embryos acquire mothers This shows toxicity may be issue environments when previous generation has encountered pollution.