Effects of exposure to sublethal DDT on the exploratory behavior of goldfish (Carassius auratus)

摘要

When they are introduced into a novel environment, normal goldfish display a highly specific, nonrandom exploratory behavior. It consists of a systematic spatial and temporal distribution of activity that in the light of its complexity is assumed to be under the control of the central nervous system. Aspects of this exploratory behavior are significantly affected by chronic exposure to DDT (10 μg/1 p.p.′ DDT for 4 days), and thus earlier suggestions in the literature that the pesticide may affect functions controlled by the central nervous system are reinforced. The maintenance of the fish for 20 hours in laboratory water following exposure to DDT resulted in a decrease in the described DDT effe