Influence of different levels of 17-alph- ethynylestradiol on growth performances and survival rate of Red cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) during consecutive spawning

Abstract

17-alph- ethynylestradiol (EE2) as an endocrine disruptive compound has clear effects on the vital functions of organisms. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of EE2 in sublethal concentrations of 0 (control), 0.02, 0.2, 2, 20, 200 µg/l on growth performance and survival rate in the Red cherry shrimp, Neocaridina davidi during three successive spawning events. The results showed that concentrations of 0.02, 0.2 and 2 μg/L had stimulating effects on shrimp growth. The final weight and percentage of body weight gain, final length and percentage of body length gain, specific growth rate, and average daily growth rate at these levels were higher than control and other treatments. The growth rate decreased with increasing EE2 concentration at concentrations of 20 and 200 μg/L. The final weight of females was affected by EE2 concentrations in three consecutive spawning. Survival rate in shrimps decreased significantly with increasing EE2 concentration. According to the results, EE2, even at low concentrations, can lead to growth disruption, weight fluctuations of spawner, and loss in shrimp. The presence of these compounds could have deleterious consequences for this model species and possibly other aquatic animals in aquatic ecosystems.

Keywords

• estrogen
• spawning
• endocrine
• red cherry shrimp
• hormone