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Can Aluminum Affect Social Behavior and Cortisol Plasma Profile in the Neotropical Freshwater Teleost Astyanax lacustris (Teleostei: Characidae)?

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Author(s):
de Faria, Natalia Pires Vieira Morais ; Araujo, Bruno Cavalheiro ; Kida, Bianca Mayumi Silva ; Abdalla, Raisa Pereira ; Brito, Diego dos Santos ; Moreira, Renata Guimaraes ; Honji, Renato Massaaki
Total Authors: 7
Document type: Journal article
Source: LIFE-BASEL; v. 14, n. 12, p. 17-pg., 2024-12-01.
Abstract

Aluminum (Al) can cause endocrine disruption in aquatic animals, but assessments of animal social behavior in neotropical teleost fish species with importance for Brazilian aquaculture have still not been addressed so far, which can further complete this ecotoxicological knowledge. In order to evaluate the social behavior and plasma cortisol concentration of fish exposed to Al, we performed a 1 h acute exposure with Astyanax lacustris couples in three different experimental groups: control in neutral pH (CTL/n group), acid pH (pH/ac group), and aluminum in acid pH (Al/ac group; 2.0 mg L-1). An ethogram of social interactions between males and females and swimming activities were performed. Furthermore, the cortisol plasma concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent, and the gonadal maturation stage of the animals was evaluated by histology. Adult and mature females in the CTL/n and pH/ac groups were more aggressive and active than mature males, including several attacks on the male. Moreover, males did not present attack behavior in these groups at any time, but did show submission behavior and constant avoidance of female attacks. In the Al/ac, females did not attack males, couple decreased swimming activity, a repetitive movement toward the aquarium surface, and high mucus production were observed, making the water cloudy. Regarding cortisol plasma concentration, males had higher cortisol plasma concentrations than females in the CTL/n and pH/ac groups, which was not observed in the Al/ac group. Therefore, Al in addition to being described in the literature as an endocrine disruptor, it can be considered as behavioral disrupter in A. lacustris in this important freshwater species cultivated in South America. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/50918-1 - Behavioral performance in ectothermic vertebrates: responses to environmental change
Grantee:Carlos Arturo Navas Iannini
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 17/06765-0 - Reproductive physiology of the Dusky Grouper Epinephelus marginatus (Perciformes: Serranidae) in captivity: hormonal therapies applied to the induction of sexual maturation in pre-spawning phase
Grantee:Renato Massaaki Honji
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants