Meeting Abstract
Crude oil is a common environmental toxicant of concern in aquatic environments, and the impact it has on marine fishes has been well studied. A majority of these studies have focused on cardiotoxicity and its downstream ecological effects. However, recent work has demonstrated that neurological function and behavior may be just as sensitive as the cardiotoxic endpoints. Transcriptomic work from larval red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) has shown significant alteration in pathways related to neurological and cognitive function following oil exposure; this was accompanied by a reduction in brain size. Based on this information, several follow up studies sought to examine the influence that oil exposure may have on fish behavior and performance. In open field tests, acutely exposed larval red drum showed a reduction in thigmotaxis or “wall hugging” behavior and increased area explored compared to control conspecifics. Similarly, small shoals of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) in an open field test also demonstrated a reduction in thigmotaxis while increasing mean neighbor distance, suggesting a decrease in sociability. While these studies examined specific personality behaviors, recent work on zebrafish (Danio rerio) has examined the effect of oil on behavioral syndromes. Interestingly, preliminary data does not suggest a shift in behavioral syndromes following oil exposure, however there is a shift in the correlation between behavioral traits. These findings suggest that more research is needed to understand how sub-lethal exposure can impact fish behavior and the downstream ecological significance this can have for populations.
